How can diabetes affect the mouth?
Too much glucose, also called sugar, in the bloodstream in patients suffering from diabetes can cause pain, infection, and other problems in the oral cavity.
Excessive glucose present in the saliva in a patient with uncontrolled diabetes causes the harmful bacteria to grow and multiply. These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque. Plaque also forms from eating foods that contain carbohydrates. Plaque causes tooth decay, cavities, gum disease and bad breath.
Gum disease may be more severe and take longer to heal in patient with diabetes. Additionally, having gum disease can make your blood glucose hard to control.
What happens if there is plaque?
Plaque that is left to accumulate hardens to form tartar and collects above the gum line. Tartar makes it more difficult to brush and clean between the teeth and is usually too difficult to remove with brushing. It requires a professional dental cleaning to get the job done. This results in gum disease or gingivitis presenting as red, inflamed swollen and bleeding gums.
When gingivitis is not treated, it can become more severe and result in periodontitis. In this condition, the gums pull away from the teeth and form spaces, called pockets, which slowly become infected. If periodontitis is not treated, the gums, bones, and tissue that support the teeth are destroyed. Teeth may become loose and might need to be removed.
Symptoms of Gum Disease?
In most cases gum disease is painless and the patient may be unaware of it. Severe cases present as:
- Bleeding gums during brushing or eating
- Swollen and red gums
- Persistent bad breath
- Receding gums
- Teeth becoming loose
- Presence of abscess or pus around the gum line
Risk Factors of Gum Disease
The following factors may increase the risk of gum disease developing in people:
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Plaque accumulation
- Smoking
- Stress
- Certain drugs that patient is on including some blood pressure medications
- Compromised immunity in a patient caused by health conditions such as: Addison’s disease or HIV.
Poorly managed blood sugar levels can cause damage to
- Nerves
- Blood Vessels
- Heart
- Kidneys
- Eyes
- Feet
High blood sugar levels have been seen to cause blood vessel damage this reduces the supply of oxygen to the gums, making infection of the gums and bones more likely.
People with diabetes should have regular dental check-ups to make sure that their oral health isn’t neglected.
Can Gum Disease Be Treated in Patients With Diabetes?
Treatment of periodontal disease in people with diabetes, who take good care of their blood sugar levels, can be just as successful as in patients who aren’t diabetic.
Improving blood sugar levels can improve the success of periodontal treatment in diabetics.
There is also scientific evidence that treatment of periodontal disease can result in improvement of blood sugar levels in people with poorly controlled diabetes, and lower the risk of experiencing the other long-term complications.
It is of supreme importance for everyone especially those who have diabetes to practice and maintain good oral hygiene and healthy habits.
Brushing regularly with a good quality tooth paste specific to your needs is the first line of defence. One highly recommended and natural tooth paste range is SprinJene Natural Toothpaste range. It features a patented formula with zinc and black seed oil, along with “good for you” ingredients like coconut oil, birch tree xylitol, and acacia gum.
The active ingredients which help in sensitivity relief are Potassium Nitrate, Sodium Monoflurophosphates and fluoride. This patented, fluoride-free toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help to:
- Provide relief from dry mouth.
- Fight gingivitis (gum disease).
- Reduce gum inflammation.
Free From:
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate). SLS is a chemical surfactant irritant to some people and can cause mucosal ulcerations.
- Artificial preservatives and dyes. Unnatural chemicals used to make products last longer and look a certain color have been linked to multiple health issues, especially in children.
The adult range also has a fluoride free option for people who have allergies, fluoride toxicity or other medical reasons for not consuming fluoride.
The fluoride range consists of the following variants:
- SprinJene Natural Cavity protection tooth paste: Anti-plaque, Anti-bacterial, suitable for everyday use.
- SprinJene Natural Sensitivity relief toothpaste, also available in a fluoride free option: For people who suffer from extreme Dentine Hypersensitivity.
- SprinJene Original Health boost tooth paste: For people who suffer from sensitivity of gums and teeth.
- SprinJene Original Fresh boost tooth paste: To combat Bad breath.
- SprinJene Original White boost toothpaste: To combat stains and help whiten the teeth.
