Exclusive: World Oral Health Day 2024: Doctor Shares How Diabetic Patients Can Maintain Their Oral Health

Add as a preferred source on Google

Maintaining a healthy mouth is crucial for all, yet individuals with high blood sugar face greater challenges in preserving their oral hygiene. Learn how to avert dental health problems and preserve your smile when living with diabetes.

Diabetes, a chronic metabolic disease, results in elevated blood glucose levels and can cause severe health issues, including heart and blood vessel diseases, eye complications, kidney ailments, and nerve damage.

In an interview with Boldsky, Dr Sharon Colaco Dias, HOD & Consultant - Dental Medicine, Manipal Hospital shares oral health issues that diabetics face and how to keep them at bay on World Oral Health Day 2024.

Do You Know How Diabetes Can Cause Problems In Your Mouth?
- Elevated blood sugar levels can also increase the sugar content in your saliva, which serves as a food source for bacteria residing in the sticky plaque on your teeth. These bacteria are responsible for tooth decay, cavities, and gum diseases, leading to tooth loss if left untreated.
- A decrease in saliva production can result in a dry mouth condition. Dry mouth is also caused by certain medicines.
- Symptoms of gum disease include inflamed and frequently bleeding gums.
- Healing of mouth infections may be delayed.
- Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs in the mouths and tongues of people with diabetes. Those who take antibiotics to treat various infections are more likely to develop this fungal infection. Fungi thrive on the high levels of glucose in the saliva of people with uncontrolled diabetes. People, who wear dentures, especially if worn constantly, are also more likely to develop fungal infections.

What Will Keep Your Mouth And Smile Healthy And Happy?
- To keep your blood glucose levels as close to the desired ranges as possible, follow your doctor's advice regarding diet and medication.
- Make sure to floss your teeth once a day and brush them at least twice a day.
- See your dentist for regular examinations. Make sure your dentist is aware of your diabetes.
- Visit your dentist every six to twelve months so they can examine your teeth, gums, and mouth for any signs of oral health issues, such as red, swollen, or easily bleeding gums. Get a professional cleaning and advice on how to care for your gums and teeth at home.
- Chew sugar-free gum and drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth. These actions will increase saliva production.
- Ensure you remove and clean your dentures every day if you use them.
- Cease smoking, as it can exacerbate diabetes and heighten the risk of developing gum disease.

Diabetes can exacerbate oral health issues due to high blood sugar levels, leading to problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and fungal infections. Maintaining controlled blood glucose, practicing good oral hygiene, and regular dental check-ups are crucial for preventing these complications. Adopting healthy habits like quitting smoking and managing diabetes effectively can help preserve oral health and ensure a healthier smile. Visit your dentists and get your checkup done every 6 months.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.