In the United States alone, currently 29.1 million individuals have been diagnosed with diabetes. With 1.4 million new cases being diagnosed each year it’s important to know how this chronic health condition can affect your oral health. If you or a loved one is suffering from diabetes, here’s what you need to know:
What’s The Difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
There are two primary kinds of diabetes: type 1 and type 2. These types influence the manner in which your body directs blood sugar or glucose. Insulin is a hormone that acts as a carrier of sugar; it takes sugar from your blood to the other cells in your body that require energy. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t create insulin, which hinders the cell protection and maintenance process. Type 2 diabetics don’t react to insulin, and later on, insulin production decreases. The two sorts of diabetes can prompt constant high glucose levels, which increases the danger of complications with your heart, kidney, nerves, mouth, and other body parts.
How Does Diabetes Affect Your Oral Health?
It is often believed that people with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cavities or losing their teeth. However, that’s not the case. A non-diabetic, whose bloody sugar level is in control, is equally likely to suffer from tooth cavity or decay. It all bottles down to how well your body manages glucose. Diabetics have poor blood sugar regulation, which makes them susceptible to the following:
-
Dry Mouth
Adequate saliva production limits bacterial growth in your mouth. Diabetes decreases the ability to produce saliva, which results in a dry mouth. When your body’s capacity to ward off any infectious diseases is low, having a dry mouth will exacerbate the situation. Dry mouth can lead to ulcers, soreness, and other infections. Saliva is additionally a defensive tool for tooth enamel, without which you’re considerably more inclined to develop a cavity.
-
Gum Diseases
Mismanaging the blood glucose can place diabetics at a higher risk of experiencing bleeding gums (gingivitis). Diabetes can cause the blood vessels to thicken, including the ones in the mouth. This decreases the nutrient flow, making it difficult for the body to eliminate waste products. This, in turn, reduces the body’s ability to fight bacterial infections like periodontal diseases, which can quickly and easily manifest in diabetics.
-
Slower Healing Process
Since the blood flow isn’t as efficient in diabetics, the healing process after cuts and bruises is also slower. After oral surgery or any dental procedures, their tissues take extra time to heal and can be a painful process.
Experienced Orthodontists in Irving, Texas
If you’re looking for an experienced and reliable dentist, Rabile Family Dentistry is the one for you. They practice all SOPs while offering an extensive range of dental care services for a healthier, more beautiful smile! Contact them for your next appointment.
Leave A Reply