People with diabetes are more likely to suffer from periodontal (gum) disease, an infection of the gums and bones that hold the teeth in place. This infection can cause pain, persistent bad breath, difficulty chewing, and even tooth loss. Diabetes can also delay healing, making it difficult to treat periodontal disease. Research suggests that treating gum disease may help improve blood sugar control in people living with diabetes, slowing the progression of the disease. If your blood sugar levels are high, so is your saliva.
The bacteria in plaque, a sticky film, use sugar as food. Some of these bacteria can cause tooth decay and gum disease. If the tooth is not treated, it can lead to tooth loss. Practicing good oral hygiene and having your dentist perform professional deep cleanings can help lower your HbA1c. This is a laboratory test that shows your average blood sugar level for the previous three months.
It indicates how well you are managing your diabetes. With increased blood glucose levels, people living with diabetes may have more glucose in their saliva and have very dry mouths. These conditions allow dental plaque to build up on the teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and decay. When treating patients with poorly or poorly controlled diabetes, elective dental treatment may need to be delayed until the patient's diabetes is considered stable or better controlled. The first signs and symptoms of diabetes can appear in the mouth, so paying attention to oral health and talking to your doctor or dentist about any changes can also lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Coordination with the patient's doctor may be necessary to determine the patient's health status and whether the planned dental treatment can be carried out safely and effectively. Gum disease treatment helps improve blood glucose levels in people living with diabetes, and people with blood glucose levels within the target range respond very well to dental treatment.
