Oral diseases have a direct adverse effect on the quality of life and may have a serious impact on an individual`s well-being, self-esteem, financial status, and social interaction. Increased blood sugar levels, can adversely affect your oral cavity by compromising the health of teeth, gums, and the bone that supports the teeth. If you are diabetic, it’s more important to take care of your teeth and gums by going for regular checkups, getting regular cleanings of teeth and gums, and getting the required treatments done at the right time before they worsen. A healthy mouth will also help manage your diabetes and prevent other diabetes-related health problems like heart and kidney disease. 

5 ways diabetes affects your mouth

Diabetes mainly affects your teeth, gums, and supporting bone by altering the saliva. The increased glucose levels in the saliva increase the chances of cavities and gum diseases as glucose feeds the harmful bacteria leading them to thrive. Some medicines used to treat diabetes, reduce saliva production causing dry mouth. The ability to fight infection and the capacity to heal from damage is also compromised, further compromising oral health.

1. Gum disease:

Increased levels of glucose in the saliva of diabetic patients, compromise the body’s ability to fight harmful bacteria. Simultaneously the wound healing capacity and the vascularity of tissues are compromised. Improper oral hygiene in such patients accelerates damage and the very first signs one would encounter is gingivitis (early gum disease); red, inflamed gums that bleed easily. This condition quickly progresses to periodontitis (advanced gum disease); enlarged velvety-red gums that bleed readily, pus discharge from gums, and multiple abscesses accompanied by loss of bone that support the teeth.

2. Tooth Decay:

Your mouth contains many naturally occurring bacteria which interact with the starches and sugars from food to form plaque on the tooth surface. The interaction of sugar and bacteria leads to the production of acid that acts on the enamel and dentin layers of the tooth, leading to tooth decay. In patients with uncontrolled diabetes, there is an increase in the sugar levels which favors the harmful bacteria leading them to thrive [greater number of streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli], which results in increased acid production, and more harm to tooth structure causing tooth decay. The process of tooth decay is further accelerated by reduced saliva production (dry mouth), in diabetics.

3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia):

Some diabetic people experience reduced saliva, the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. This occurs due to changes in the organ that produces saliva (Salivary gland), and consumption of drugs used to maintain blood sugar levels, with reduced saliva to keep your mouth moist and bathe the teeth, the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and thrush increases. Such people also complain of altered taste.

4. Burning Mouth: 

Many diabetic people complain of a burning mouth due to damage to the nerves, reduced saliva in the mouth, and/or a fungal infection called candidiasis.

5. Thrush (Candidiasis): 

People with uncontrolled diabetes are more susceptible to a fungal infection called candidiasis caused by the fungus candida Albicans. It presents itself as painful white or red patches in the mouth. The tongue papillae are usually diminished and there may be ulceration at the angle of the mouth associated with a burning sensation.

Oral health consideration:

To ensure good oral health, it is evident that diabetic patients take extra care of their oral health and maintain their blood sugar levels.

• Keep your blood sugar levels in check
• Visit your Dentist for regular checkups
• Get your teeth and gums cleaned regularly
• Brush twice daily
• Floss your teeth
• Reveal your diabetes history to your dentist
• Avoid smoking
• Have a healthy diet
• Keep an eye on early signs of gum disease like bleeding, red gums, or loose teeth