How does diabetes affect oral health?

Diabetes is the most common health condition in the States. It is estimated to affect approximately 30 million people in America. 

While a lot of people are aware of the negative health effects of diabetes, including increased risk of stroke and heart attack, however, only a few realize that diabetes can also have a significant impact on their oral health.

In this blog, we will discuss how badly diabetes affects teeth and gums.

Learn how diabetes can affect your oral health

Diabetes is the consequence of the body’s inability to produce insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar. At the point when the process of blood sugar regulation is interrupted, serious complications can occur, like damage to the heart, liver, kidneys, and other organs including the mouth.

The following are a few ways that diabetes can affect your oral health.

• Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss: Diabetes can prompt a high glucose level in your saliva. The bacteria in your mouth thrive on glucose, which can prompt advanced stages of tooth decay and an increased risk of tooth loss.
• Periodontal Disease (Gum Disease): Periodontal disease happens when bacteria infect the gums. The condition is exacerbated by high glucose levels, like those found in diabetics. In mild cases, periodontal disease prompts increased sensitivity and bleeding. In severe cases, this can bring about absolute tooth loss, infection of the jawbone, and a variety of other dangerous conditions, which will require invasive periodontal treatment.
• Dry Mouth: Individuals with diabetes regularly experience the ill effects of dry mouth. Proper levels of saliva helps neutralize bacteria and wash away food particles. Along these lines, reduced saliva buildup (xerostomia) can increase your risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Fungal Infection (Thrush): Thrush is brought about by the fungus Candida Albicans, which is naturally present in our mouths. Be that as it may, the combination of high blood sugar and dry mouth can make an optimal breeding ground for thrush. This infection causes painful and sore red or white regions inside your mouth.

Schedule your appointment with a dentist today and get the treatment on time!