Do you have diabetes? Then think twice about your oral health! (Diabetes & Oral Health)

If you have diabetes, you probably think about controlling your blood sugar levels all the time. But did you know that diabetes can also directly affect your oral health? Many people don't think much about this connection. But in fact, people with diabetes are much more likely to develop problems with their teeth and gums. Today, let's talk about why this happens and how to avoid it.

Why do people with diabetes have more oral problems?

Simply put, when diabetes is not properly controlled, it affects almost every part of our body, including our mouth. There are two main reasons.

1. Reduced blood supply to the mouth: Diabetes can damage the delicate blood vessels in our body. This reduces the amount of blood that reaches the gums. This means that the area is deprived of nutrients and its ability to fight infections.

2. Increased sugar levels in saliva: When blood sugar levels rise, the amount of sugar in our saliva also increases. This is like giving a free all-day party to the bad bacteria in our mouths. These bacteria eat sugar and produce acids that can eat away at our teeth.

Pay attention to these signs.

If there is a problem with your oral health, your body will give you clues. Look for these signs. If you have any of these, it is very important to see your dentist immediately for advice.

Major oral diseases that can occur due to diabetes

Let's now look at what oral diseases are most commonly seen with diabetes.

Gingivitis - Early Stage

This is the most common oral disease among people with diabetes. This is the first stage of gum disease. The sugar in saliva causes bacteria to collect and combine with food particles left after eating to form a sticky substance called ``Plaque``. This sticky substance causes the gums to become red, swollen, and begin to bleed.

The good news is that this condition (Gingivitis) can be almost completely prevented by brushing your teeth, flossing, and using an antiseptic mouthwash.

Severe case of gum recession (Periodontitis)

If the condition mentioned earlier, ``Gingivitis``, is left untreated, it can turn into a more serious condition called ``Periodontitis.`` What happens here is that the gums start to pull away from the teeth due to bacteria and dental plaque. Then, small pockets form between the teeth and gums. Bacteria accumulate inside these pockets and begin to destroy the bone and tissue that hold the teeth in place.

If this becomes severe, the teeth can become loose and eventually fall out. This condition cannot be cured by brushing your teeth alone. The intervention of a dentist is definitely needed. You may also be referred to a specialist doctor (Periodontist) for this purpose.

Dry Mouth / Xerostomia

The saliva in our mouth is not just water. It contains enzymes that fight bacteria. Diabetes and aging both reduce saliva production. This is medically known as ``Xerostomia''. When saliva is lost, bacteria have the opportunity to grow unhindered. This increases the risk of mouth sores, tooth decay, and gum disease.

Oral infections, especially thrush

Not only bacteria love sugar, but also fungi. That's why people with diabetes often develop a fungal infection called `(Thrush). This causes white or red patches to appear on the tongue and inside the cheeks. Sometimes these can turn into sores. This risk is even higher if you wear dentures or smoke.

Slow Wound Healing

You probably know that when you have diabetes, any wound anywhere on your body takes longer to heal. The same is true for your mouth. Imagine you have a tooth pulled. Your wound will take longer to heal than the average person. And there is a higher chance of infection developing during that time.

How can you protect yourself from these problems?

Don't be afraid to hear all this. The best thing to do is to prevent these problems before they happen. There are some simple things you can do to do that.

• Number one: Control your blood sugar levels. This is the most important thing. Keeping your diabetes well under control means that your oral health will also be protected to a great extent.
• Brush your teeth daily. Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a soft-bristle brush . Be sure to floss to remove food particles stuck between your teeth. It is also a good idea to use an antiseptic mouthwash recommended by a doctor.
• Wait a little while after eating before brushing your teeth. It is best to wait at least 30 minutes after eating before brushing your teeth. This is because the acids in food can soften the enamel of your teeth. Therefore, waiting a little while before brushing can prevent that damage.
• If you wear dentures: Remove them every day and clean them thoroughly. Never sleep with them on.
• Avoid smoking. Smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease. When combined with diabetes, the damage is doubled.
• Go for regular dental checkups. Even if there are no problems, see your dentist at least once every 6 months . Depending on your condition, your doctor may tell you to come in sooner.

When you go to the dentist, be sure to tell him that you have diabetes and what medications you take. If your blood sugar levels are out of control, tell him about it. If you take insulin, it is also important to tell him when you last took it. This information will help the doctor give you the best treatment.

Diabetes, Oral Health, Tooth Decay, Gum Disease, Gingivitis, Periodontitis, Dental Health