When you have diabetes, your whole body might suffer from excessive blood sugar, including teeth and gums. What is the good news? Prevention is entirely within your control. Recognize your adversary and then take control of your oral health.

Type 2 diabetes is more difficult to manage than type 1, but both need strict blood sugar management. The amount of blood glucose is directly linked to:

Tooth Decay (Cavities)

Naturally, your mouth includes a variety of germs. When the starches and sugars in meals and drinks contact these bacteria, a sticky film called plaque develops on your teeth. Plaque acids eat away at the surfaces of your teeth (enamel and dentin). It may result in tooth decay and gum disease.

Higher blood sugar levels mean more carbs and starches are accessible, which means your teeth are being eroded by acid at an accelerated pace because of it.

Early Gum Disease (Gingivitis)

Diabetes impairs your immune system's capacity to combat microorganisms. If you do not eliminate plaque with frequent brushing and flossing, it will solidify into a material called tartar behind your gumline (dental calculus).

Plaque and tartar that have been left on your teeth for an extended period irritate the gingiva, the soft tissue that surrounds your teeth. Your gums will swell and bleed readily over time. It is referred to as gingivitis.

Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontitis)

Periodontitis eventually causes your gums and jawbone to move away from your teeth, causing them to loosen and potentially fall out. To avoid periodontitis, which damages the soft tissues and bone that hold your teeth together, you must treat gingivitis.

Periodontitis is more severe in patients with diabetes since diabetes impairs the immune system and hinders recovery. Additionally, an infection such as periodontitis may cause your blood sugar to increase, making it more difficult to regulate your diabetes. Regular dental cleanings may help prevent and cure periodontitis, improving blood sugar management.

Thrush

Diabetes may increase the risk of developing thrush, a fungal illness caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Thrush symptoms include unpleasant white or red spots inside the mouth. Keeping a healthy mouth might help you prevent thrush.

Diabetes management requires a lifetime commitment, which includes adequate tooth care. You'll get a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums due to your efforts. Jeanne V. Devi, DDS provides exclusive dental care services for diabetic patients. For more information call us at (626) 795-2544 or visit our website. We are located at 595 E Colorado Blvd Suite 603, Pasadena, CA 91101.