More than 20 million adults and children in the United States have some form of diabetes. About 14 million having been diagnosed with the disease, and 6 million are completely unaware they have it. There are different types of the disease; most Americans (around 90%) have type 2 diabetes.
What is Diabetes? Diabetes is a metabolic disorder characterized by a high level of sugar in the blood, resulting from low levels of the hormone insulin. Insulin, which is produced by the pancreas, is responsible for the transformation of sugar into energy. Typical symptoms of diabetes include excessive production of urine due to high level of glycaemia (sugar in the blood), thirst and increased intake of liquids to compensate for the rise of urine, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
Diabetic individuals need to pay special attention to oral hygiene because of the risk factors inherent in the disease, such as infections and dry mouth. Together, they can lead to tooth decay, gum disease and delayed healing after surgery. Early diagnosis can help decrease most of these symptoms, but wait too long and some oral complications may be irreversible.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a lack of saliva, and in diabetic individuals it is often related to increased sugar in the saliva. Dry mouth can lead to cavities because the reduced amount of saliva means that teeth do not receive the normal, natural cleaning. Those with dry mouth often are encouraged to drink more water, and it's important to visit your dentist for regular checkups.
Periodontal Disease
Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis), or periodontal disease, is a bacterial infection that occurs around the gums and can eventually reach the fibres and bone that support teeth. If untreated, gum disease can result in teeth moving or being lost.
Those with diabetes are more susceptible to periodontal disease, probably because they are more likely to develop infections and take longer to heal. If you do not control your diabetes, it will become more difficult to control and mitigate damage to your gums.
If you have diabetes, you should regularly check the condition of your gums. Dentists and periodontists also recommend a dental cleaning every three months to remove the plaque and tartar that affect the health of the gums, as well as a periodontal exam.
Hygiene and Dental Treatment
Here is a summary of advice for diabetics:
· * Brush your teeth at least twice a day, and preferably after every meal. A meticulous dental hygiene routine is important.
· * Periodontal disease can reach an advanced level before you feel pain and without gums bleeding. Regular dental checkups every three months can help your dentist detect signs of gingivitis or periodontitis.
· * During checkups, be sure to discuss your medical history and notify your dentist about the state of your diabetes. If you suffer from periodontal disease, be sure to mention it.
Dental health is so crucial that many insurance providers will pay for additional cleaning for those with diabetes. If you have diabetes, we highly recommend dental cleanings every 3 to 6 months, plus a regular exam by our periodontists. Our Southfield periodontists are experts in identifying the signs of the impact of diabetes and will work with you to make sure that your smile stays happy and healthy.
