Diabetes and Oral Health

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Diabetes and Oral Health

• Curie Health

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Lockdown

• This sudden, unexpected period of lockdown has
  forced all of us to forget our usual routines and
  adapt a newer schedule at home. This might be
  having a negative impact on some of us,
  especially if we usually have a fast-moving life.

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Lock-down Schedule

• It is therefore mandatory to come up with a
  Lock-down Schedule consisting of an
  amalgamation of serious and fun activities to
  alleviate any physical, mental or social stresses
  that we may face.
• You can read more about this on our previous
  blog https//curiedothealth.wordpress.com/2020/03/
  25/what-we-can-do-during-quarantine/ 

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Lockdown meals

• This is also a time when many of us are tempted
  to indulge in unhealthy eating habits. Although
  all of us need to practice a certain amount of
  caution when it comes to the inclusion of sugars,
  processed foods, and other unhealthy substituents
  to our daily Lockdown meals, those with
  pre-existing conditions such as diabetes should
  be even more careful. 

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Lockdown meals
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Health Issues

• Diabetes in addition to causing a myriad of
  health issues also affects the health of the oral
  cavity significantly. Here are some of the issues
  it causes when coupled with poor oral hygiene
• Gum inflammation- gingivitis
• Gum disease-periodontitis
• Tooth decays
• Candidiasis infection (Thrush)
• Dry mouth

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Gum inflammation- gingivitis

• Diabetes reduces the bodys ability to fight
  against bacteria. Due to this, a lack of good
  brushing that usually leads to plaque and
  gingivitis are seen more profoundly. Gums tend to
  get swollen, Spongy, red, easily irritated, and
  bleeds easily.

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Gum disease-periodontitis

• A reduced ability to fight infections and an
  enhanced risk of delayed healing leads to
  gingivitis progressing into full-blown
  periodontitis. This is characterized by loosening
  of teeth, foul oral smell (halitosis), receding
  of gums, and increased foci of infection. 
• It is important to note that periodontitis and
  diabetes are interlinked. Long-standing
  periodontitis can lead to poor control of blood
  sugars in the blood and vice-versa.

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Gum disease-periodontitis
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Tooth decays

• Gingivitis, periodontitis can further lead to
  poor oral hygiene and plaque build-up. The acidic
  nature of plaque results in the formation of
  cavities in the tooth and weakening of the enamel
  surfaces.

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Candidiasis infection (Thrush)

• Poor control of blood sugars commonly leads to
  Coating of Tongue or other mucous membranes
  within the mouth called Candidiasis. This leads
  to oral malodor and further loss of oral and
  general health.

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Dry mouth

• Diabetes leads to a reduction in quantity and
  quality of saliva and this in turn leads to
  further worsening of the above-listed issues such
  as dental cavities and candidiasis.
• Symptoms that should prompt a dental visit
• Sudden increase in cavities
• Differences in taste perception
• Bad breath

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Dry mouth

• Coated tongue that is difficult to clean at home
• Dry mouth (Xerostomia)
• Burning sensation in the mouth
• Loosening of teeth
• Increased spaces between teeth that have occurred
  suddenly
• Bleeding from the gums

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Dry mouth
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Managing diabetes-induced oral health issues

• Practice good oral hygiene
• Avoid habits such as tobacco use or excessive
  alcohol intake
• Keep your diabetes in check and regularly visit
  your doctor 
• Visit your dentist regularly and schedule an
  appointment on the onset of any new oral
  symptoms.
• Follow an active lifestyle
• Control sugar intake and follow a diet
  recommended by your doctor.

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Managing diabetes-induced oral health issues
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Curie Health

• To know more or to book an appointment with your
  best dentist in chennai, visit https//curie.healt
  h/