Diabetes and Dental Health

Hi Readers,

While talking to one of my patient, who happens to be a diabetic, I realized that while he was aware about potential side effects of diabetes on eyes, kidneys and other body parts, there was a complete ignorance on the effects diabetes can have on teeth and general dental health.

So, in the following paragraphs, I have tried to briefly describe the effects diabetes can have on dental health and ways to avoid any unnecessary complications.

Diabetes affects millions of Indians. Per the International Diabetes Federation, India is home to over 61 million known diabetic patients and this number is rising every year. What is more striking is the fact that most of the diabetic patients are unaware about the link between diabetes and dental health. For a diabetic, it is absolutely essential to take special care of their teeth and gums. Moreover, the first signs and symptoms of diabetes can occur in the mouth, so paying attention to your oral health can also lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment of diabetes.

Diabetes usually leads to lower resistance to infection and delay in the healing process. Due to this, some of the dental problems that may arise are:-

• Tooth Decay: Since diabetic patients are advised to take small but frequent meals, food debris may remain in the mouth for a longer time. This coupled with the high sugar content of the Saliva may lead to faster tooth decay.
• Gum Diseases: If brushing is not proper, food debris can harden with time and get deposited over the gums. This can create conditions that lead to chronic gum inflammation and infection in the mouth. Because diabetes can reduce resistance to infection, the gums are among the first tissues likely to be affected.
• Tooth Loss: If gum disease is not taken care of, the infection may spread to the underlying bones that hold the teeth leading to tooth loss
• Salivary Gland dysfunction: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to reduced saliva flow resulting in dry mouth and this in turn may lead to ulcers, tooth decay and other oral infections.
• Fungal Infections: Bacteria and fungi occur naturally in the mouth. The body's natural defenses and regular oral hygiene generally keep them in check. However, in uncontrolled diabetic cases, body's defenses may not be able to keep the infection under control. This condition may get worse if you smoke or often are required to take antibiotics. Further, reduced salivary flow and high sugar levels in saliva can make patients more prone to fungal infections
• Taste impairment

The good news is that all the above mentioned complications can easily be avoided by the following:-

• Keep diabetes under control: My mantra for diabetes control is walk 30 minutes a day, Yoga for 30 minutes a day and eat home cooked fresh and balanced diet.
• Brush softly after every meal and floss at least once a day. If brushing is not possible after every meal, rinse your mouth properly.
• Have your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist twice a year.
• Keep your dentures clean
• Smoking and diabetes is a very dangerous mix. Do not Smoke
• Keep a look out for early signs of oral disease : Bleeding, Swollen or tender gums, spaces opening up between your teeth, receding gum-line etc

Since diabetes is linked to the slow healing capacity of the body, we have to take special precautions before undertaking any surgical procedure or while defining a treatment plan. Please inform us if you are diabetic and we shall plan your treatment plan accordingly.

Finally, managing diabetes is a lifelong commitment and this includes proper dental care. Your efforts will be rewarded with a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.