An estimated 30.3 million Americans live with diagnosed diabetes. Approximately 1.7 million new cases are diagnosed each year and 8.1 million people live with diabetes and don’t even know they have it. Having good oral and dental care is essential for patients with diabetes. Research suggests people with diabetes are at higher risks of oral and dental problems, such as periodontal disease, oral infections, tooth decay, delayed healing of oral sores, and other problems. Medically, patients with diabetes are at higher risks of problems with the eyes, nerves, kidney, heart and other parts of the body.What is diabetes? Diabetes affects the body’s ability to process sugar.
- Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy.
- Type 2 diabetes is the most common type of diabetes and it is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose (blood sugar) is too high.
Symptoms of untreated diabetes affect oral and dental health
- Dry mouth (less production of saliva)
- Higher risk of dental decay due to less saliva in the mouth
- Inflamed and bleeding gums
- Problems of tasting foods
- Delayed wound healing in the mouth
- Susceptible to infections inside of the mouth
Periodontal disease and diabetes
Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease affecting patients with diabetes. Diabetic patients have poor blood sugar control, and it causes the patients to be more susceptible to oral infections and gum diseases.
*July 2013 issue of JADA (Journal of American Dental Association) wrote findings on the latest research into how gum disease could affect diabetes.
They found that, compared with those with healthy gums, people with severe gum disease:
- Have higher long-term blood sugar levels (A1c);
- Might be at a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes;
- Maybe at a higher risk of developing pregnancy diabetes;
- Have a harder time controlling their type 2 diabetes;
- Are at a higher risk of experiencing harm to eyes and kidney, as well as heart attack and stroke if they have diabetes
Diabetes and oral health issues
- According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetic patients are more likely to suffer from dry mouth and/ or to develop a fungal infection in the mouth
- Dry mouth can be a side effect of medications patients take to control diabetes. Dry mouth increases the chance of developing oral infection and/ or dental decay
- High blood sugar levels and high sugar levels in the saliva create an ideal environment for plaque to grow. Excess plaque increases the risks of oral infection and periodontal disease
- inflammation, sensitivity, and irritation along the gums
- taste buds do not work as well
- wounds or mouth sores may have delayed healing
Dental health care/Dental considerations for people with diabetes
- Best time to receive dental care is morning appointment because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control at this time of the day
- Dental procedures should be as short and as stress-free as possible
- Dentists and staff are trained to work with diabetic patients. The dental office should have a protocol for managing diabetic patients
- Coordination with the patient’s physician may be needed to determine the patient’s health status and determine whether the dental treatment can be safely and effectively performed
- Elective dental treatment may need to be delayed until the diabetes is considered stable
- Review the patient’s medical history, medications, take vital signs, and oral evaluation
Recommendation of dental treatment for diabetic patients
- Oral examination and teeth cleaning 2x/year. Your dentist may recommend more than 2 cleanings per year depending upon your periodontal condition
- Patients with diabetes may benefit from periodontal therapy (scaling and root planning) in conjunction with good oral health maintenance at home
Everyday dental care tips
- Keep blood sugar as close to normal as possible
- Reduce sugars and starches from your diet, eat healthy foods and exercise regularly
- If you have dry mouth, try a mouthwash without alcohol
- Brush your teeth at least 2x/day. Brush your teeth after every meal. Wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing to protect any tooth enamel that’s been softened by the acid in the food
- Use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Use fluoridated toothpaste.
- Floss at least once a day
- Rinse daily with an antiseptic mouth wash
- Treat dental infections immediately.
- Provide your medical and oral health history to both your medical and dental care providers
- Quit smoking
Medical complications of Patients with Diabetes
Diabetic patients with elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar) can increase the incidence and severity of complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, amputations, and other medical problems.
Dr. Anna Lee is a general & cosmetic dentist in Glendora, CA. She is experienced in all phases of dentistry. She treats patients of all ages. If you are pre-diabetic or have been diagnosed with diabetes, don’t wait and call our office for a dental and oral evaluation. With proper medical and dental care, both diabetes and periodontal disease can be treated and be well under control. Call our office at 626-335-5114 or visit us at www.annaleedds.com