A chronic disease with no cure, diabetes remains one of this countries most challenging health problems! There are approximately 165000 people currently with type 2 diabetes in New Zealand. This number is rapidly increasing, in some groups of people 12% will have type 2 diabetes by the time they are 40 years old or over. People with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people without diabetes, probably because diabetics are more susceptible to contracting infections. In fact, periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes. Those people who don’t have their diabetes under control are especially at risk.
Research has emerged that suggests that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes goes both ways – periodontal disease may make it more difficult for people who have diabetes to control their blood sugar.
Severe periodontal disease can increase blood sugar, contributing to increased periods of time when the body functions with a high blood sugar. This puts diabetics at increased risk for diabetic complications. Thus, diabetics who have periodontal disease should be treated to eliminate the periodontal infection.
Key points
People with diabetes are prone to get problems affecting their gums, teeth and mouth.
Gum disease is the most common mouth problem for people with diabetes.
Gum disease can start at any age.
There’s a lot you can do to fight gum disease (such as brushing your teeth twice daily, flossing once every day, looking for early signs of gum disease, and visiting your dentist at least twice a year).
Gum disease starts with plaque
Gum disease is when you have bacteria that are working to destroy the gums and bone around your teeth. It all starts with plaque.
Plaque is a sticky film of saliva, food and bacteria. Plaque loves to settle in under and at the gum line. There, bacteria get busy making your gums red, tender, and likely to bleed.
The goal of daily tooth brushing and flossing is to clean away plaque. When plaque stays put, it hardens into calculus (or tartar). Calculus (tartar) builds up above and below the gum line. More plaque forms over the calculus (or tartar). Only your dentist or dental hygienist can remove calculus (tartar) off your teeth.
If plaque and calculus are not removed, even gentle brushing can cause your gums to bleed. This is called gingivitis. It is the first stage of gum disease. You can prevent gingivitis with:
daily good brushing and flossing habits.
getting your teeth professionally cleaned at least twice a year at your dentist.
If you ignore gingivitis, the gum disease may get worse. The more severe form of gum disease is called periodontitis. If untreated this can lead to you losing your teeth.
Diabetes causes its own problems
Plaque is the “bad guy” of gum disease. But things are not helped by your diabetes. This is because:
Diabetes can weaken your mouth’s bacteria fighting powers.
High blood glucose levels can make periodontal (gum) disease worse.
Diabetes may cause damage to the blood vessels supplying your gums.
If you have an infection from gum disease this can make your diabetes harder to control (usually causing your blood glucose levels to go up)
Warning signs of gum disease
Because gum disease is often painless, you may not know you have a problem until you have some serious damage. Regular check-ups with your hygienist or dental professional are your best weapon, but you can also help prevent it from happening by looking out for the early warning signs of gum disease. These are:
Bleeding gums when you brush or floss. Bleeding from your gums is not normal. Even if your gums don’t hurt, get them checked.
Red, swollen, or tender gums.
Gums that have pulled away from your teeth. Part of the tooth’s root may show, or your teeth may look longer.
Pus between your teeth and gums (when you press on the gums).
Bad breath.
Adult teeth that are loose or moving away from each other.
Changes in the way your teeth fit when you bite.
Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges.
If you have any of the above, visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Brush and floss
- The three main steps to fight gum disease are brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Ask your dentist to show you the correct way to brush and floss.
Visiting your dentist
When you visit the dentist tell him or her that you have diabetes. Also let them know about any problems with infections or trouble keeping your blood glucose levels under control.
Eat before you go to see your dentist. The best time for dental work is when your blood glucose level is in a normal range. Remember that the visit may delay you eating. Don’t book a visit when your diabetes medicine is peaking if it means that food will be delayed. If you take insulin, a morning visit after a normal breakfast is best.
Take your usual medicines before your dentist visit, unless your dentist or doctor tells you to change your dose for dental surgery.
Stick to your normal meal plan after dental work. If you can’t chew well, plan how to get the calories you need. You may need to use a meal plan that uses more soft or liquid foods.
If your diabetes is in poor control wait to have dental surgery until it is better controlled. If your dental needs are urgent (pain or swelling), talk to your dentist and doctor about having dental treatment in a hospital or special clinic where you can be checked during and after surgery.
Information for this article came from the following source: here