Diabetes and your oral health

Diabetes affects about 15.7 million Americans and nearly 800,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. Most people who have diabetes know that the disease can cause problems with your eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart and other parts of your body. Diabetes increases the risk of infection and may slow the healing process.

The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:
* Tooth decay
* Gum disease
* Decrease in saliva
* Infection and delayed healing
* Changes in taste ability

Diet and tooth decay is related. Teeth in general are covered with plaque, a sticky film of bacteria. Plaque is not food. After you eat or have a surgery drink in, the bacteria produces an acid that attacks tooth enamel. Repeated attacks can cause the enamel to weaken and cause cavities.

When diabetes is not controlled through either exercise or medication, high sugar levels in saliva may help bacteria reproduce faster. Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning once a day between your teeth with floss helps remove plaque that can cause cavities.

Plaque that is not removed can harden into tartar. When tartar collects above the gumline, it becomes more difficult to brush and clean between teeth. The gums then become red, swollen and infected.

Since diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, the gums can become infected easier. Gum disease is many times associated with lack of control of diabetes. That is to say, patients with high blood sugar control appear to develop gum disease more often and more severely, than those who have their diabetes under control either through a combination of diet, exercise or medication. Gum disease is the main cause of tooth loss.

It is possible to have gum disease and not be aware of it. The following are some warning signs.
* Gums that bleed easily;
* Red swollen or tender gums
* Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
* Pus between the teeth and gums when gums are pressed
* Persistent bad breath or bad taste
* Permanent teeth that are loose

Remember that having diabetes results in a longer healing process. Gum disease often appears more frequent and more severe among people with diabetes. That is why good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet that meets your needs, good oral care at home, and regular dental check-ups are important.

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Lori DeMaine is a dental hygienist who works with Saipan’s SDA dental clinic, on improving dental care as well as awareness throughout the CNMI.