Top Ways Diabetes Can Damage Your Teeth

Did you know that people with diabetes are more likely to experience oral health problems? The risk is even higher if you are more than 50 years old and have diabetes. However, you need to understand one important fact: Dental issues and age tend to go hand-in-hand whether you are a diabetic or not.

 

Diabetes and Dental Health

Diabetes is a serious health condition that can affect almost every part of your body. Unfortunately, many people ignore or are unaware of the potential consequences of diabetes on oral health. If you have type 1 or 2 diabetes, you need to pay special attention to the condition of your mouth.

 

How the Level of Blood Sugar Can Impact Your Oral Health

Your levels of blood sugar can affect your oral health in surprising ways. This is especially true for people with diabetes looking for ways to prevent their condition from impacting other areas of their body.

 

If you are a diabetic with high blood sugar, you have an increased risk of developing cavities. The greater supply of starches and sugars in your body can contribute to the buildup of plaque. This may occur due to your condition. However, the drinks and foods you consume may also contribute to plaque buildup.

 

Symptoms to Watch Out For

According to some studies, almost 30 million people in the U.S. are living with diabetes. However, the good news is that controlling this condition can help protect your gums and teeth. That said, if you have diabetes, you need to watch out for certain symptoms, such as:

 

• Frequent oral infections
   

• Sore and/or bleeding gums
   

• Persistent bad breath
  
   

As a diabetic, you need to understand how your condition can affect your gums and teeth if left uncontrolled.

 

How Diabetes Can Impact Your Dental Health

Are you living with diabetes? Did you know that it can affect the health of your gums and teeth? Here are some of the reasons diabetics need to pay close attention to their oral hygiene and health.

 

Increased Risk of Developing Gingivitis

The most common oral health issue associated with diabetes is gingivitis. Diabetes can cause your saliva to contain more sugar, leading to the multiplication of acid-producing bacteria in your mouth. Leftover food particles and bacteria in your mouth can form plaque over time, especially if you have poor oral hygiene practices.

 

Periodontitis

Gingivitis, when left untreated, can develop into a more serious form of gum disease known as periodontitis. This condition erodes the tissue and bone that support your teeth, which can lead to tooth loss. Periodontitis is one of the leading causes of tooth loss in the U.S., and it affects almost 22 percent of people with diabetes.

 

Oral Thrush

This is a fungal yeast infection that is quite common among people living with diabetes. Fungi feast on sugar, so if you are a diabetic with high levels of blood sugar, you have an increased risk of developing fungal infections in your mouth. Some of the symptoms of this oral condition include loss of taste, difficulty eating, dental stomatitis, and more.

 

Bottom Line

These are just a few ways in which diabetes can harm your teeth and oral health. If you are a diabetic, you need to let your dentist know. You should also provide a list of the medications you take to manage your condition. This information will help him/her determine the best way to protect your dental health.


 

For more on how diabetes can damage your teeth, contact Hamlin Modern Dentistry at our office in Winter Garden, Florida. You can call (407) 993-6370 today to schedule an appointment.