Oral complications frequently occur in a person suffering from diabetes. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetics may suffer from a variety of complications leading to tooth loss and life-threatening infections. The higher a person's blood sugar levels, the higher the risk of oral complications associated with diabetes, adds MayoClinic.com. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research reports proper glucose monitoring and management are key to preventing oral complications. Oral care should include brushing, flossing as well as yearly checkups.
Gum Disease
Gum disease, also known as periodontal disease, is labeled the sixth complication of diabetes according to the National Institutes of Health. Periodontal disease is the infection of the gum and bone that hold teeth in place, describes the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Signs of gum disease include bleeding when brushing teeth, soreness around the gums, difficulty chewing. Eventually gums begin to pull away from teeth giving them an elongated appearance, according to DiabeticLifestyle.com. Teeth begin to feel loose. The institute reports gum disease left untreated causes chewing difficulties and tooth loss. The institute reports the prevalence of gum disease in diabetes mellitus patient was 9.8 percent out of 263 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus patients, or type 1 diabetes. People without diabetes have a 1.7 percent risk of gum disease. Diabetics between 11 and 18 of age were most likely to be diagnosed with gum disease, says the NIH.
Tooth Decay
Tooth decay, also known as dental cavities or caries, occurs more commonly in diabetics. MayoClinic.com explains a person's mouth contains natural bacteria and flora. When sugars and starches interact with the natural bacteria, plaque forms on and around a person's teeth. A diabetic has additional amounts of sugar in their body, leading to addition risk for tooth decay. Signs and symptoms of tooth decay depend on the location of the cavity and the extent of progression, according to MayoClinic.com. Still, signs may include toothache, oral sensitivity, visible pits on a tooth and pain when chewing. MedlinePlus states plaque is difficult to see because it is white, the same color as teeth. If plaque is not removed tartar and tooth decay set in.
Dry Mouth
A dry mouth is a common symptom of undetected diabetes mellitus, reports the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. A parched mouth leads to soreness, infections and tooth decay, adds the institute. Smoking also causes dryness, and exacerbates symptoms in a diabetic. The National Institutes of Health reports diabetic patients may produce less saliva due to decreased insulin production. Still, a diabetic with well managed glucose levels does not have decreased saliva. Oral infections are difficult to heal and may lead to severe complications such as life threatening neck infections and palatal ulcers.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Oral Complications in Diabetes
- Diabetic Lifestyle: Diabetes and Dental Complications
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research: Diabetes and Oral Health
- MayoClinic.com: Diabetes and Dental Care: Guide to a Healthy Mouth
- MayoClinic.com: Cavities/Tooth Decay
