If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
Living with type 1 diabetes can complicate many things in your daily life. Your dental health can be negatively affected because high blood sugar can take a toll on your entire body, including your teeth and gums. The positive news is that good oral health is achievable. When you learn what you’re up against, you can prevent diabetes from hurting your mouth.
What is Type 1 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic lifelong disease where the pancreas doesn’t produce insulin. Insulin is an essential hormone that controls our blood sugar levels. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in childhood. When the body doesn’t have insulin, sugar builds up in the bloodstream and can cause life-threatening complications. Some common symptoms include weight loss, fatigue, thirst, frequent urination, and vision changes. High blood sugar levels can cause many oral health issues.
Type 1 Diabetes and Oral Health
If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key. The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems.
More than a fifth of people with diabetes develop some form of gum disease. It ranges from gingivitis all the way to periodontitis which can threaten the teeth, gums, and bone. In severe cases, if the bacteria reaches the bloodstream, the person’s overall health can be adversely affected.
Symptoms to watch for include:
- Swollen or red gums
- Bleeding gums
- Chronic bad breath
- Gum recession
- Teeth feeling loose
Any of these symptoms can designate poor gum health. Type 1 diabetes can also increase the risk of developing other issues such as more frequent and severe infections, impaired healing ability, enlarged salivary glands, dry mouth, burning mouth syndrome, and fungal infections.
Maintaining Good Dental Health
While type 1 diabetes can complicate many things concerning daily life, it’s still possible to maintain good dental health. To do so, it’s essential to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss at least once a day. Keeping up with regular dental checkups is a must, as is monitoring your sugar intake.
Talk to Your Dentist
If you or your child have type 1 diabetes, discuss your situation with your dentist. If you keep up with your regular dental exams, early signs of dental problems, which aren’t always obvious, can be caught sooner and will be easier to deal with. Your doctor can also work with your dentist to help manage both your diabetes and your oral health.
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