Diabetes: Teeth and Gum Problems to Look Out For

Diabetes can lead to a whole host of health problems, but did you know that it can also put you at risk for dental issues? The implications of high blood sugar extend to every part of the body — including teeth and gums. When it comes to diabetes, teeth and gum problems are something you need to be aware of.

Here are few of the ways diabetes can wreak havoc on your mouth, and how you can prevent this damage from occurring if you are one of the 21.9 million people in the U.S. who suffer from diabetes.

Gum Disease

Diabetes can reduce the blood supply to the gums, which increases the risk for gum disease. This risk is amplified if you had poor dental health prior to being diagnosed with diabetes. 

Gum disease takes two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis. Gingivitis is less serious, but can develop into periodontitis if left untreated. In addition to cutting off blood to the gums, diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, putting the gums at risk for gingivitis, an inflammation caused by the bacteria in the form of plaque. The longer plaque remains on your teeth, the more it irritates the gingiva — the part of your gums around the base of your teeth.

The main symptoms of gingivitis are red, swollen, and bleeding gums. It is important to contact your dentist as soon as these symptoms develop so the problem can be addressed.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which affects the tissue and bones that support your teeth. In addition to red bleeding gums, other symptoms include bad breath that won’t go away and changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

Eventually, periodontitis causes your gums and jawbone to pull away from your teeth. This in turn causes your teeth to loosen and potentially fall out.

To further complicate matters, periodontitis and diabetes can lead to a catch-22 situation. Diabetes slows your body’s ability to heal and fight bacteria, so the infection takes longer to go away. Additionally, periodontitis raises blood sugar, which makes diabetes more difficult to manage.

Dry Mouth

If you have diabetes, or know someone who does, you know that one of its chief symptoms is dry mouth and a constant feeling of thirst. This is an annoyance for sure, but can also lead to more serious dental issues.

Diabetes reduces your mouth’s saliva production, which makes your teeth more vulnerable to decay and can also contribute to gum disease. Saliva helps wash away plaque and tartar from teeth; the less saliva in your mouth, the more likely plaque and tartar are to stick around.

Symptoms accompanying dry mouth include a dry tongue and dry, cracked lips. It can also lead to difficulty chewing, swallowing, or talking.

Your dentist can prescribe a fluoride rinse to keep your mouth moisturized and prevent tooth decay. Sugar free gum and mints are also good for stimulating saliva flow and keeping the mouth moist.

Dry mouth associated with diabetes is worsened by caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol, as well as spicy and salty foods. Avoiding these foods will help prevent the problem from becoming worse.

Oral Care for Diabetes Patients

The risks for diabetes make good dental hygiene non-negotiable. Dental care and diabetes care must be practiced in tandem to effectively combat issues like gum disease and dry mouth.

Start the process by following these tips:

                                                 

1. Brush your teeth at least twice per day and floss once per day. This will help keep plaque buildup at bay and remove food particles that can lead to tooth decay. Consider an electric toothbrush for the best brushing results.

2. Manage your diet. Avoiding foods that are high in sugar will help control your diabetes and your oral health.

3. Tell your dentist about diabetes. This will ensure that you receive the best care possible for your specific needs.

4. Schedule regular dental visits. Consider going beyond the minimum recommended two visits per year so your dentist can monitor progress and watch for new developments in your mouth related to diabetes.

If you or a loved one has diabetes, and has questions about diabetic oral care, I have extensive expertise in treating patients with diabetes.

Keep smiling,

 
Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121

The Key to Good Oral Health is in Your Kitchen

March is National Nutrition Month as designated by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, so it’s a particularly good time to talk about the link between the foods you eat and your oral health.  Everyone knows that diet and nutrition are critical to general health.   

Scientific and epidemiological data suggest there is a lifelong interrelationship between diet, nutrition and integrity of the oral cavity in health and in disease. Oral health and nutrition are connected in multiple ways.  Oral infectious diseases, as well as rapid onset, chronic, and systemic diseases with oral symptoms, impact a person’s functional ability to eat and therefore their nutritional status. Likewise, nutrition and diet can affect the development and integrity of your mouth, as well as affecting the progression of many oral diseases. 

The fact of the matter is your oral health is in equal parts dependent on and affected by your nutrition. Of course there are foods to limit for the sake of your oral health, like those that are loaded with sugar or highly acidic--but you already know that. What you might not know is there are also foods, specifically certain fruits and vegetables, which are good for your teeth and gums. And with National Nutrition Month upon us, this seems like the time to offer worthwhile tips for your oral health.

And here’s an interesting fact: People with 25 or more teeth tend to eat more nutritiously!  Not sure how many you have?  Take a break and count them. 

So what foods do I recommend for your oral health?  Here are a few good ones to chew on:

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits, such as oranges, pineapples and tomatoes, are chock full of vitamin C, which is critical for the health of your gums. Ever heard of “scurvy”?  Historically many sailors who were deprived of vitamin C started getting sick and suffering the effects of this disease.  Without enough vitamin C, gums might become unhealthy and even bleed, an early sign of gum disease. Eventually, unhealthy gums may lead to tooth loss, so be sure to include lots of fresh citrus fruits for healthy gums and stable teeth.  They say it’s why British ships started carrying lots of limes around (giving rise to the term “Limey”).  But lemons have far more vitamin C than limes!

Fiber Rich Fruits

When you chew fruits that are high in fiber, salivation increases to help wash away food debris and bacteria that can be harmful to teeth and gums. Some of these fresh fruits are apples, oranges, pears, and watermelons. This increase in saliva reduces the acid level in your mouth and helps avert dry mouth, which makes teeth more vulnerable to decay. In addition, as you chew fiber-rich fruits, you’re also massaging your gums.

Hard Fruits and Vegetables to Build Strong Teeth

Eating hard and fibrous vegetables, such as carrots and celery, provide your body with a good source of beta carotene. Your body needs beta carotene to make vitamin A, which is a nutrient that is vital to building strong teeth. These and other hard vegetables also massage your gums as you chew. And the water content in these vegetables cleans your teeth and gums.  For these purposes, nothing beats apples (my favorite).

Onions

Onions are great for your oral health, because they contain antibacterial sulfur compounds. These antibacterial compounds help kill the bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease. And, of course, they are strongest when eaten fresh and uncooked, so be sure to brush your teeth or rinse with a refreshing mouthwash after boosting your oral health with onions!

Cheese

In your mouth, a pH level lower than 5.5 puts a person at risk of tooth erosion, which is a process that wears away tooth enamel. The higher the pH level is above 5.5, the lower the chance of developing cavities. Recently, scientists performed an experiment where they ate different foods, and then the pH levels were measured in the mouth.  The pH levels for those who ate cheese increased rapidly at each interval, suggesting that cheese has anti-cavity properties.  But use moderation—you still have to think about your waistline and your heart.

Probiotics

Probiotics may help to decrease gingivitis and plaque; bacteria in fermented foods might suppress the growth of pathogens in the oral cavity. One study showed that consuming fermented dairy was associated with less periodontal diseases. Probiotics from any source could be helpful in a similar way.

Cranberries

Cranberries and other plant foods rich in anthocyanins (such as blueberries, red cabbage, eggplant peel, black rice, and raspberries) may prevent the attachment and colonization of pathogens on host tissues (including teeth). Some studies even show that cranberry extract-infused mouthwash improves dental health! Sure, we all knew about blueberries’ superpowers, but who knew that the humble bog berry could give you healthy teeth?

                                                

Green tea

Polyphenols have been known to reduce bacteria and toxic products of bacteria in the mouth. Tea also tends to be rich in fluoride, possibly the most well-known tooth strengthener.

So, here’s to your health… your oral health!

Keep smiling,

 

Dr. Elzbieta W. Basil, DMD is a private practice dentist with offices in West Hartford Center and Downtown New Britain, Connecticut.  She is a Clinical Instructor at the UConn School of Dental Medicine, and has won several awards naming her regional “Best Dentist” and “Top Dentist.” She is an active member of the Connecticut State Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Tel: 860-561-2121