Oral health is often seen as a sign of the general health of the rest of the body. Poor oral health can actually cause serious diseases elsewhere in the body as well. For example, heavy drug users, especially of methamphetamine, often get what’s called “meth mouth,” a condition where the teeth fall out and go into advanced stages of yellowing and decay. Other conditions, like atherosclerosis, are caused when oral bacteria enters the blood stream and winds up in the artery walls around the heart. Coronary heart disease caused by plaque build up is the number one cause of death in developed nations. A doctor or dentist looking inside of someone’s mouth can get a surprisingly holistic view of a person’s health by assessing the patient’s oral health.
Like many systematic diseases, diabetes also has a connection with oral health. In particular, diabetes is connected to gum disease, makes gum disease worse, and can be worsened by gum disease.
Diabetes and periodontal disease, a two-way street
Periodontal disease, also known as gum disease, is the number one reason adults lose teeth. It occurs when the gums get infected. The infection can spread from the gums to the bone of the jaw as well, which will certainly hurt the body’s ability to retain teeth.
Studies have shown that periodontitis is three times more likely to occur in people who have diabetes already. Although the exact reasons that these two diseases are tied together are not completely understood, it is understood that diabetes increases the risk of gum disease. Diabetes also slows circulation, which prevents red blood cells from reaching the parts of the body as easily and weakening the body to infection. High sugar levels in the saliva can cause more growth of bacteria on the teeth. These bacteria can build up plaque and further degrade the teeth and worsen existing gum disease. Finally, diabetes hurts the immune system of the person who has it. Someone suffering from diabetes is more likely to get to infections/diseases of all kinds.
Periodontitis also increases the risk of diabetes. Gum disease can often increase the blood sugar content in the body. This means that a person suffering from diabetes will have to operate with unusually high levels of blood sugar if he/she also has periodontal disease. Although the exact causes are not clear, there is also a significantly higher correlation between people with gum disease and diabetes. One of the studies mentioned above found that people with moderate to severe diabetes were over 2-2.5 times more likely to have end-stage renal failure. Renal failure is failure of the kidneys, and in this study it occurred as a result of diabetes.
How to protect yourself
There are two types of diabetes that occur in children and adults. Type 1 diabetes is genetic, and it must be treated with insulin. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not properly use the insulin it produces. They key to controlling it is healthy diet and exercise, but often people with Type 2 diabetes must take drugs to keep their insulin levels under control. A healthy diet and plenty of exercise are the best ways to avoid diabetes if possible.
As for maintaining oral health, you probably already know what to do if you are reading a dental blog. Nonetheless, here are some pointers:
- Brush and floss regularly. Brush twice a day, floss once a day.
- Use an electric toothbrush if possible. Electric brushes are proven to remove more plaque.
- Avoid smoking. People who smoke are at increased risk of periodontal disease.
- Get a dental check-up at least twice a year.
Gum disease is easy to treat in its early stages. When it is not a serious threat, it is called gingivitis, and can be treated with dentistry and good oral health practices.
Worried about your oral health?
If you aren’t sure that your oral health is up to snuff, or that a systematic disease like diabetes puts you at a bigger risk, then schedule an appointment with us. Josey Lane Dentistry, in Carrollton Texas has been treating patients with preventative dentistry for years. We have experience with patients who have oral health threatening systemic diseases. If you would like any advice for oral health for diabetics feel free to contact us today.
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