Diabetes and oral health

One of the most frequent complaints from patients with diabetes is shaking teeth, and often times they end up losing quite a few teeth from the periodontal (gum) disease that causes their teeth to shake. Because diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, the gums are highly likely to become infected. Bleeding gums, recession and bone loss, eventual shaking teeth are signs of this progressive disease, for if not treated it will get worse and lead to the loss of the teeth.{{more}}

Tooth decay is also common in diabetics, as uncontrolled diabetes can cause the blood sugar level to get high; this high sugar in the saliva will cause the bacteria in your mouth to produce acid that causes tooth decay. Other problems include fungal infections, taste impairment and delayed healing after an extraction.

It is so important as a diabetic to make sure that you brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss or use an inter-dental brush to clean between your teeth. Your professional cleanings should be done at least twice a year to prevent the progression of any oral diseases that you may have and for your dentist to monitor your oral health and recommend any mouthwashes if necessary. Control your diabetes before it controls you costing you your healthy smile.