Diabetes

Diabetes has many complications, some leading to other serious health conditions.

Diabetics are prone to several problems of the mouth, requiring special care.

When you have diabetes, you have to pay even more attention to your teeth and gums than other people.

We are at greater risk of cavities, gum disease, and tooth infections. Not only that, but those infections can cause our blood sugar to rise, so it becomes a vicious cycle.

What mouth problems are common in diabetics?

Plaque

Plaque is, of course, a problem for many people, not just diabetics. But it’s caused by starches and sugars, and of course, we have more than our share of those.

Diabetics are highly prone to plaque.

Dry mouth

Sometimes your mouth is so dry in the morning, and you can hardly speak. But it’s more than just inconvenient, it’s dangerous to the health of our mouths.

Saliva washes away many of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth cuts the amount of saliva available for this job, so the result is more cavities and gum disease.

A dry mouth can sometimes create inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth, making eating difficult and unpleasant.

While there are artificial saliva substitutes, which your dentist can tell you about, you can usually stimulate your saliva by sucking on sugar-free hard candy.

Drinking water helps.

Fungal infections

Not only do diabetics have less saliva than is needed, but the saliva you do have is high in sugar content, so it’s double trouble for you.

This can cause a fungal infection called candidiasis, commonly known as thrush. It produces red or white spots in the mouth.

Medication can help, though, so ask your dentist.

As a diabetic, you must pay great attention to oral hygiene. Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily.

Examine your gums for signs of problems and always visit your dentist at least twice a year.