Diabetes is a disease that affects the way that the human body breaks down sugar. The effects of diabetes on the body can affect different areas of the body including the mouth. As such, anyone with diabetes is prone to have oral health problems. This article will discuss how diabetes affects the mouth, as well as common oral health problems caused by the disease.

Diabetes and Oral Health

People with diabetes face a high risk of oral health problems due to high blood sugar. This is because high blood sugar typically weakens the white blood cells, which makes it hard for the body to fight against sickness and infection. This will therefore result in bacterial infection in the mouth if it is not checked. Another problem that comes with diabetes is that it slows down the healing process of wounds, which might cause mouth sores.

Oral Problems Caused by Diabetes

Below are some oral problems that people who live with diabetes are prone to:

• Dry Mouth: Dry mouth is a condition that occurs when the glands responsible for producing saliva in the mouth are not functioning properly. Also known as xerostomia, dry mouth is characterized by a reduction in saliva flow in the mouth. Uncontrolled diabetes slows down the production of saliva thereby resulting in a dry mouth. Without saliva in the mouth, the enzymes responsible for fighting bacteria cannot be produced. As such, dry mouth can result in more serious problems such as infections, tooth decay, sores, and ulcers.

• Gingivitis and Periodontitis: Another problem that people with diabetes deal with is gingivitis. With the mouth unable to fight infection, bacteria have a field day in the mouth causing gum disease known as gingivitis. Gingivitis is a condition that is characterized by bleeding and sore gums. As the bacteria mix with leftover food and saliva in the mouth, plaques are formed. These plaques build up over time and end up causing gum disease and tooth decay. If gingivitis is not treated, it could result in periodontitis. Periodontitis is a serious gum disease that affects the tissues and bones that support the teeth.

• Thrush: Bacteria is not the only problem that you have to deal with when it comes to diabetes and oral health. Thrush is caused by fungi which come about as a result of using antibiotics, wearing dentures, and smoking. Thrush manifests as red or white patches on the cheeks and tongue. This condition can lead to open sores in the mouth if it is not treated.

• Burning Mouth Syndrome: The burning mouth is usually caused by dry mouth and thrush. It is a condition in which your mouth tingles, feels numb, or feels like it has been scalded by hot liquid. For some people, burning mouth syndrome comes with a loss of tasting ability.

• Slow Wound Healing: Diabetes slows down the healing of oral wounds, as a result of reduced blood flow. This does not only leave you nursing wounds for a long period than expected, it also leaves you at higher risk of infection.

Conclusion

If you are a diabetes patient, you must visit a dentist in St Kilda East for regular check-ups and treatment.