How to take care of your oral health when you have diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease that causes elevated blood glucose levels and affects about 130 million people worldwide. It is estimated that the number could rise to about 300 million by 2025. Numerous studies have documented a significant relationship between diabetes and oral health, identifying several oral conditions that diabetic patients are prone to face.

What oral conditions can diabetes cause?

Periodontal disease

Among the most serious oral problems associated with diabetes, periodontal disease, or gum disease, is common. This condition can cause inflammation and bleeding of the gums, as well as making it difficult to eat and increasing the risk of infection. It can cause severe pain when chewing and, in advanced cases, tooth loss. In addition, periodontal disease can make it difficult to control blood glucose levels, setting up a vicious cycle in which poor oral health aggravates diabetes itself and vice versa.

Xerostomia and oral candidiasis

Another of the most frequent affections in people with diabetes is dry mouth, known as xerostomia, which occurs when there is a decrease in the production of saliva with which to keep the mouth moist. Diabetes can also increase glucose levels in saliva, which predisposes the patient to fungal infections such as oral candidiasis. This is characterized by the presence of painful whitish plaques in the oral cavity.

What oral symptoms should diabetic patients be aware of?

Diabetic patients may experience a number of oral symptoms that require specialist attention. In addition to the xerostomia or dry mouth mentioned above, it is common to suffer from cheilosis, characterized by cracks in the corners of the lips. Also relevant are painless swelling of the parotid gland, indicating problems in the function of these salivary glands important for oral lubrication, diffuse erythema of the oral mucosa, which presents as widespread redness in the mouth, and saburral tongue, which will be observed with a whitish or yellowish coating on the dorsal surface of the tongue.

In addition to these symptoms, diabetics are predisposed to develop periodontal abscesses, which are accumulations of pus near the gums and teeth due to bacterial infections, as well as gingival polyps, which are benign growths on the gums. Diabetic patients may also experience increased tooth sensitivity to percussion, which indicates an increased susceptibility to pain when the teeth are touched.

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What practices help diabetics take care of their oral health?

Glucose control

Chronic hyperglycemia, common in people with poorly controlled diabetes, can alter the physiology of periodontal tissue, making it more susceptible to infections such as periodontitis. Elevated glucose levels in saliva create an environment conducive to bacterial proliferation, causing inflammation in the gums, damaging the bone that supports the teeth and hindering the healing of wounds in the mouth. Metabolic control within recommended limits can help reduce the risk of oral complications.

Oral hygiene and inspections

Basic dental hygiene practices such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing regularly are effective in removing plaque and preventing both caries and periodontal disease. It is recommended to include in the routine the use of mouthwashes, which help reduce the bacterial load in addition to maintaining fresh breath, correct brushing technique for better hygiene or use electric toothbrushes.

Similarly, taking a few minutes to inspect the oral cavity during the daily routine can help identify problems early. Pay attention to signs such as bleeding gums after brushing or flossing, persistent pain, a feeling of dryness, the presence of whitish plaque or an unusual taste in the mouth.

Regular dental visits

It is important for people with diabetes to visit the dentist on a recurring basis for routine checkups and professional cleanings. Patients should inform oral health professionals about the disease so that they can take extra precautions during treatments. With these regular visits it is possible to detect oral problems early and apply the appropriate treatments to reverse them.

These consultations allow diabetic patients to be educated about oral care, while dental cleanings allow plaque and tartar removal to prevent bacterial buildup that aggravates oral conditions associated with diabetes.

Smoking cessation

Tobacco smoking aggravates gum health by negatively affecting blood circulation and compromising the body's ability to fight infection. It also hinders the healing of damaged tissues in the mouth. In addition, tobacco smoke irritates the gums and contributes to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dentists are trained to provide support and resources to help patients quit this unhealthy habit.

In short, taking care of oral health when living with diabetes reduces the risk of diseases such as periodontitis and xerostomia, which can lead to serious problems such as tooth loss. It will be important to maintain strict control of blood glucose levels, along with daily oral hygiene practices such as frequent brushing and flossing.

Regular visits to the dentist help professionals to detect and treat potential conditions early and provide support for harmful habits such as smoking that aggravate gum disease. By taking this information into account and following these steps, it is possible to better manage diabetes and improve patients' quality of life.