Discover how changes in oral health, like lost smiles, can be a hidden sign of diabetes, with expert advice from Meri Sehat.

Lost Smiles – A Hidden Sign Of Diabetes

High blood sugar levels can weaken your body's ability to fight bacteria, making you more susceptible to gum infections.

Introduction

Let me share a story that made me realize just how important it is to pay attention to every aspect of your health, no matter how small it may seem.

One of my best friends has diabetes. Due to her family&#39;s history of <a href="https://merisehat.pk/disease/diabetes-type-1-and-2">diabetes</a>, she witnessed her parents diligently counting carbs and carefully managing their insulin doses. This routine became ingrained in her as a way to mitigate her risk of developing diabetic complications. 
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So, last year, as she sat in the dentist&#39;s chair, expecting the usual lecture about flossing more often, her dentist dropped a bombshell: &quot;Your diabetes is affecting your dental health more than you realize.&quot;

Despite her best efforts, diabetes had weakened her body&#39;s ability to fend off bacteria, leading to inflammation in her gums. She found herself facing the prospect of losing teeth &ndash; a prospect that no one, diabetic or not, wants to entertain. 
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She is not the only one, though. According to research, nearly half of the world&rsquo;s population is affected by oral conditions.<a href="#accordion">[1]</a> The CDC states that people with chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes are 50% more likely to present with severe tooth loss than those without these conditions. Moreover, there is a 40% chance that individuals 20 years or older with diabetes have untreated cavities than those without diabetes.<a href="#accordion">[2]</a>

But, what exactly is this connection between diabetes and dental health, and given how the majority of people remain oblivious to it, how can it be prevented? 
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When you have diabetes, your body is either not producing enough insulin, is unable to use the insulin effectively, or both. This leads to high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia), which can affect various parts of your body, including your mouth. 
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Understanding Diabetes And Dental Health

Diabetes may manifest as:<a href="#accordion">[3]</a> 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

34-51% of diabetic patients complain of dry mouth. Saliva plays a crucial role in keeping your mouth clean by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids that can harm your teeth. Diabetes can affect your saliva production, leaving you to struggle with eating, speaking, and swallowing. It increases your risk of mouth ulcers, cavities, and dental infections. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Periodontal Disease</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Other risk factors include poor oral hygiene, a longer duration of diabetes, poor metabolic control, and smoking. Gum disease can range from mild gingivitis, characterized by red and swollen gums and bad breath, to more severe periodontitis and tooth loss if left untreated. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Root Caries And Tooth Decay</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

People with diabetes are more likely to develop both new and recurring dental cavities. This is because their saliva may not clean or neutralize acids as effectively, leading to higher levels of sugar and bacteria in the mouth. Additionally, prolonged high blood sugar levels can lead to inflammation in the tooth pulp, which may result in irreversible damage and eventually tooth death. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Burning Mouth</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Diabetic patients often experience a burning sensation or discomfort in their mouths due to poor glycemic control, angiopathy, nerve damage, and fungal infections. These sensations not only impact physical health but further contribute to sleep problems, anxiety, and depression. 
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<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Slow Healing Process</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Diabetes can make it harder for your body to repair damaged gum tissue. This means that if you do develop gum disease, it may take longer to heal and require more intensive treatment. 
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Important!

The flip side is that poor oral health can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels as well, making it harder to manage your diabetes. This creates a vicious cycle where diabetes affects dental health, and poor dental health exacerbates diabetes. 
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Basically, your mouth needs a floss, toothpaste, and a toothbrush to remain healthy. If you&rsquo;re diabetic, you may need a blood glucose monitor, too.<a href="#accordion">[4][5]</a>

<ul>
	<li>Brush your teeth after each meal, or at least twice a day, with fluoride toothpaste.</li>
	<li>Floss daily.</li>
	<li>Remove and clean dentures every day if you wear them.</li>
	<li>Monitor your blood sugar levels. Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and make sure to update them about your sugar level and any medications that you&rsquo;re currently taking. For instance, according to the NIH, there are more than 400 medications that cause dry mouth.</li>
	<li>Lifestyle changes are also important. Stick to a balanced diet low in sugar and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to help control blood sugar levels and promote oral health. Also, if you smoke, consider quitting to improve your oral and overall health.</li>
	<li>Drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to avoid having a dry mouth. 
	&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Conclusion

By taking proactive steps to manage both diabetes and dental health, you can reduce your risk of complications and enjoy a healthier life. 
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Key Takeaways

<ul>
	<li>Diabetes can lead to reduced saliva flow and an abundance of bacteria, which increases the risk of complications.</li>
	<li>It also slows down the body&#39;s ability to heal, making it more challenging to recover from dental procedures or gum infections.</li>
	<li>Poor dental health can exacerbate diabetes by causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels, making it harder to manage the condition effectively.</li>
	<li>Regular dental visits are crucial for individuals with diabetes to monitor oral health, detect problems early, and prevent complications.</li>
</ul>

[1] Rawal, I., Ghosh, S., Hameed, S.S. et al. Association between poor oral health and diabetes among Indian adult population: potential for integration with NCDs. BMC Oral Health 19, 191 (2019).

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