diabetes

Your dentist may be able to detect a health problem just by examining your mouth. And if you already have a medical condition that affects your mouth, be sure to schedule regular appointments.

There is a strong link between our oral health and our overall health. When we brush our teeth twice a day, floss, and have regular dental check-ups, we are doing our part to contribute to a healthy mouth. However, certain medical conditions can negatively impact our oral health, no matter how well we take care of our mouth.

When you go to the dentist for a check-up, your dentist does more than look for cavities. This is because your mouth can signal that there is a problem in another part of your body. Several medical conditions are linked to tooth and gum disease.

There are many medical conditions that can cause oral health problems. Below are 5 diseases that can negatively impact your oral health.

1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that typically only affects older men and women. It occurs when the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or in some cases, both. A person’s bones become weak and may break easily from a fall, or in severe cases, from something minor like sneezing.

Several studies have discovered a link between bone loss associated with osteoporosis and an increase in loose teeth and tooth loss. According to the National Institute of Health, women with osteoporosis are three times more likely to have tooth loss than women who do not have the disease.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects many joints in the body. It causes painful swelling, and over long periods of time, RA can cause bone erosion and joint deformity.

Patients with RA have an increased risk of developing gum disease. Studies indicate that the more teeth a person loses, the more severe your RA is likely to be.

3. Anemia

A person with anemia lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry sufficient oxygen to their body’s tissues. There are many forms of anemia, each with its own cause. Anemia can prevent nutrients from getting to the teeth and are more prone to tooth decay and gum disease. This can increase the risk of infection and has been known to lead to ulcers and tongue problems.

4. Chronic Kidney Disease

There is a link between people with long-term kidney disease and severe gum issues. Chronic kidney disease can lead to heart disease, high blood pressure, and poor bone health. All three of these things have a connection to gum disease. Chronic gum infections can cause inflammation in other parts of the body, further hurting the kidneys.

If you or a loved one have chronic kidney disease, a small infection in the mouth needs to be addressed quickly as it could develop into something more serious.

5. Lung Disease

Several lung diseases are linked to gum disease, such as bronchitis, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). All of these increase the number of harmful bacteria in your mouth. Bacteria can travel to your lungs and could even trigger lung disease. Smoking can make these problems worse.

Talk to Your Dentist

Regular check-ups with your dentist are essential to your oral and overall health. Don’t neglect these visits! Your dentist may be able to detect a health problem just by examining your mouth. And if you already have a medical condition that affects your mouth, be sure to schedule regular appointments.

Diabetes can make a person more prone to gum disease and other oral infections. Proper dental care is absolutely key!

Diabetes can cause long term damage to the body. Because diabetes affects blood vessels and nerves, virtually any part of the body can be impacted by the disease. This can include your teeth and gums. However, the good news is that when you learn about what you’re up against, you can maintain good dental health!

Dental Problems Due to Diabetes

Whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is very important. The higher your blood sugar level is, the more at risk you are for the following issues with your gums and teeth:

• Cavities – You naturally have bacteria in your mouth. When you eat foods high in starch and sugars, they interact with the bacteria and it turns into plaque which is the sticky film you can sometimes feel on your teeth with your tongue. If left on the teeth too long, the acids in the plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth and can lead to cavities and gum disease.
• Gingivitis – Because diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria, you could develop gingivitis, or early gum disease. The longer plague and tartar remain on your teeth, the more they will irritate the gums around the base of your teeth, known as gingiva. Over time, the irritation will cause your gums to swell and they will bleed more easily. Regularly brushing and flossing will remove the bacteria and will allow your mouth to be healthy.
• Periodontitis – If gingivitis is left untreated, it can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis. This destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth. This can cause your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth, which in turn means they will loosen and possible fall out. Periodontitis tends to be more of an issue with people who have diabetes because the disease lowers the ability to fight infection and slows the healing process.
• Thrush – Thrush is often more common in people with diabetes. It is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Signs of thrush include painful red or white patches on the inside of the mouth.
• Dry Mouth – Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth occurs when there isn’t enough saliva in the mouth. Saliva is important because protects against gum disease, tooth decay, and other oral infections.

Proper Dental Care is Key

Diabetes can make a person more prone to the above problems. As a result, proper dental care is absolutely key in preventing these issues.

First and foremost is managing your diabetes by following all of your doctor’s instructions. The better you control your diabetes, the less likely you will develop gingivitis or other oral infections.

Second, brush and floss at least twice a day. If you can, brush your teeth after each meal. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and use toothpaste that has fluoride. An electric toothbrush can help you clean your teeth more effectively.

Third, don’t skip your dental appointments. Regular cleanings and checkups are important. If you have dental anxiety, The Dental Anesthesia Center is a state-of-the-art dental facility that caters to patients who require Oral Sedation, Deep Sedation, or General Anesthesia for their dental care.