If you are a diabetic it is important that you keep your blood glucose levels well under control. This is not just from a general health point of view but taking into consideration your oral health as well. Simply put, if you fail to control your diabetes it is highly likely that you will end up with periodontal diseases. Clinical studies have proved that when diabetes is not kept under control it reacts to bacterial plaque in the oral cavity in a different manner as compared to people with diabetes who have it well under control.
It is not just that, people with uncontrolled diabetes and bad teeth run the risk of increased cytokines (harmful proteins) in the gingival tissue. This can cause inflammation in the gums leading to teeth erosion. What’s worse is that the beneficial proteins that enhance growth are drastically reduced, and the infection’s healing process is disrupted. Read on to know the effect of diabetes on dentures.
Are Dentures safe for Diabetics?
The good news is dentures are as safe for a diabetic as they are for a non-diabetic. However, it is important that diabetics maintain their dentures hygienically, which should be constantly checked to see if they fit perfectly, Shaky dentures can cause sores, which can lead to inflammation and periodontal diseases for diabetics.
A word of caution though: The American Dental Association is against diabetics wearing dentures all the time. A common complication that can affect diabetics is a fungal infection known as Thrush, which appears as white or reddish patches spread all over the mouth. Patients can suffer a burning sensation and have trouble swallowing.
Other symptoms include dryness in the mouth with reduced secretion of saliva. It is better diabetics remove their dentures while going to bed or while resting. Using denture paste is advisable for diabetics as it reduces friction and the chance for sores forming in the mouth is reduced as well.
Diabetes and Teeth Falling out
People with type 2 diabetes are prone to contracting periodontal disease, which can lead to tissue-loss and increase the chances of losing teeth. Poor glucose control can lead to infections and inflammation of the gums, which affects oral health. Often, diabetics are slowly affected by periodontal disease and realize it only when it is too late. Hence, prevention is better than cure.
The onset of gingivitis needs to be prevented, which can only be possible if your blood glucose levels are kept well under control. Maintaining oral hygiene is also very important as once gingivitis sets in it spreads slowly without much warning. The hardening of plaque into tartar increases tooth loss risk because of irreversible gum disease.
Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly help maintain good oral health, which is part of healthy diabetes dentistry management. This and can help control the onset of periodontitis. Although the problem of bad teeth affects diabetics and non-diabetics alike, the risk perception is higher with diabetics, who need to take proper precautions. While over the counter medicines may help reduce inflammation in the gums, it is better to visit your dentist who will examine your teeth and suggest a proper course of treatment.