Dental Center
MRK-D-20-2012
Diabetes & Oral Health
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic disease caused by a genetic or acquired dysfunction in producing the Insulin hormone that is produced by the pancreas, as a result the quantity of glucose in the blood is too elevated (hyperglycemia). This in turn affects blood vessels and nerves. Types of Diabetes: There are two main types of diabetes: Type one: Known as insulin-dependent diabetes, it occurs most frequently in children and young adults, in this type the pancreas can no longer make the insulin necessary to transport sugar from the blood into the other cells of the body for energy. Sugar builds up in the blood and over time can damage internal organs and blood vessels. Type two: Known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus, it occurs as a result of lack of response from body cells to the insulin produced by pancreas. This is the most common type, accounting for about 90% of cases of diabetes in the world; it usually develops after the age of 40. However, in the late 1990’s, its incidence increased among young people.
Diabetes and oral health: Common oral health problems can that affect diabetics are: • Tooth decay. • Gum and teeth supportive tissues diseases. • Salivary glands dysfunction. • Fungal infection. • Infection and delayed wound healing (cicatrisation). • Taste disorder. What should patient tell the dentist? • About any changes in your health resume. • All medication that is being prescribed to you. • If you actually been diagnosed as diabetic. • If patient is inadequately controlling blood sugar level. Food and tooth decay: If diabetes is not fully controlled over, it will cause elevation in the quantity of glucose in the blood, which in turn gives more chance to the growth of bacteria. Brushing your teeth on daily basis using fluoride-containing toothpaste, as well as flossing between teeth will be able to get rid of the plaque that causes tooth decay.
Plaque accumulates in hard to reach areas of the mouth. If it is not removed daily, it begins to harden into a calcified substance called calculus, and by the time it becomes a source of bacterial infection and elevate to a chronic gum. Diabetes reduces the efficiency of body immune system, which leads the bacteria in plaque produces acids and other toxins that can destroy bone and gum tissue over a period of time. Controlling blood sugar level is very much related to gum and supportive tissues diseases; however Patients who do not control their illness are more likely to lose more teeth than those who control their illness and the level of sugar in their bodies. When should patient see the dentist? Diabetic should see the dentist when noticing the following: • Gums that bleed during and after tooth brushing. • Red, swollen, or tender gums • Receding gums. • Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth. • Formation of deep pockets between teeth and gums. • A change in teeth occlusion. • Changes in the way teeth fit together on biting. • Changes in the fitting of partial dentures. • Fungal infection.
Diabetics and fungal inflammation: Your mouth is naturally teeming with bacteria and fungi; however people who keep a basic dental care involves brushing and flossing your teeth regularly these bacteria and fungi remains harmless. When a disorder takes place in the immunity system, the bacteria and fungi becomes harmful, therefore attacks the body. Diabetics and people wearing dentures are more likely to have fungal inflammation. Smokers and diabetic with an uncontrolled blood sugar level or those who frequently using antibiotics are also more to have fungal inflammation. The lack of salvia or the increase of glucose in it; creates a breeding ground for fungi which appears as a white spots and by the time it becomes sore and painful. It might happen for the white spots to appear on tongue, thus tongue becomes sore and swallowing becomes harder, as well as the taste sense might also be affected. It is very important to take care of your oral hygiene; however some dentists might prescribe anti-fungal medicine. The following steps are significantly contributing in reducing the severity of dry mouth: • Chew sugarless gum or suck on sugarless hard candy to stimulate saliva flow. • Sip water or sugarless drinks often. • Avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea and some sodas. • Home oral care is extremely required, since dry mouth can cause tooth decay or supportive tissues inflammation.