Proper dentist checkups are important for everyone, but they are especially important for people with diabetes. Those with diabetes seem to have many more and severe dental problems.
Mouth related diseases and problems are intimately connected to those with diabetes. This connection is so strong that some people believe that oral disease should be the 'sixth opathy of diabetes.'
Periodontitis is one of many oral diseases that those with diabetes are especially prone to developing. Periodontal diseases cause inflammation and destruction to the tissues around the teeth such as the gums and bone.
If left to develop, Periodontitis will destroy the periodontal ligaments and the tissues and fibers that connect the tooth to the bone. This will cause the alveolar bone, or tooth socket, to dissolve.
The gums will also show signs of irritation such as swelling, reddening, changing shape, bleeding, and releasing pus. The teeth may also loosen.
As the soft tissue and bony support dissolve, pockets are left in the mouth. These pockets are ideal locations for bacteria to grow and cause infection.
In turn, these infections will cause even more serious and painful conditions. Periodontitis must be caught and treated as soon as possible, otherwise it becomes increasingly more difficult to treat.
Periodontitis begins with plaque buildup on the teeth. Plaque is made up of microorganisms such and dead skin cells and leukocytes.
Plaque buildup is fairly easy to prevent through normal, daily brushing and flossing. Periodontitis is only one of many things that brushing and flossing can prevent.
If plaque is allowed to buildup, it will become hard and turn into what is called tartar. Tartar cannot be removed through home procedures.
When tartar develops it is important that a professional dentist clean it off as soon as possible. Tartar and plaque increase the risk for gums to become infected.
When the gums become infected, a condition called gingivitis is developed. Gingivitis is the first official stage of Periodontitis.
Gingivitis causes the gums to bleed and become very sensitive. Swelling of the gums, tooth loss, and consistent bad breath are all signs of gingivitis.
One of the reasons those with diabetes are more susceptible to Periodontitis is that they have more sugar in their mouth. The sugar increases the chances of plaque buildup and tartar in the mouth.
Due to this fact, people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop Periodontitis. The infections that occur during Perodontitus make it difficult to control the Blood Glucose levels as well.
Inflammation and infection always have an impact on the BG control. However, doctors usually leave the mouth to the dentist to diagnose and often pass over inspecting it.
For people with diabetes, the battle against infection and maintaining control is very difficult. If the infections start winning, the BG control seriously suffers and can put someone in the hospital.
In addition, the infections will wreak lasting damage on the gums, teeth, and mouth. These infections will also affect the insulin requirements of a person.
As gingivitis infections are treated, the insulin requirements will lower again. Diabetes also affects collagen, which is an essential part of the tissue that connects the teeth to the bones and other tissues.
The effects that diabetes has on collagen can allow infections to cause even more damage than normal. Dry Mouth is another common condition associated with those afflicted with diabetes.
Dry mouth is a condition resulting from a low flow of saliva. There are several causes of dry mouth, but saliva is vital to the overall health of your mouth.
Saliva helps clean off bacteria and wash off teeth and gums. This process helps prevent tooth and gum disease.
This condition can be combated through drinking many fluids or through a product recommended by a dentist. Small steps of prevention can save a lot of money, time, and pain.
In addition to brushing and flossing regularly, remember to attend regular dental appointments. Dentists are trained to detect and prevent conditions early on.
While dental procedures may be painful and stressful, they are saving you a lot of time, money, and pain by treating it now. For those with diabetes, it is also vital to stay on proper insulin doses and oral medication to avoid facing problems with BG control.
Prevention is always easier and less stressful in the long run.
Author Resource:-
Ronald Pedactor is a formal dental hygienist and has authored hundreds of articles relating to dental practice and procedures, including dental consultants.
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