You may be surprised to learn that your dentist may be able to detect symptoms of diabetes based on your oral health.
Your dentist will also play a vital role in assisting you to manage your oral health if you already have diabetes.
In Australia an alarming number of approximately 1.2 million Austalian people have diabetes.
How Diabetes affects your Teeth
With higher glucose levels, people who have diabetes are likely to experience dry mouth and greater dental decay. Since bacteria feed on sugars present in your mouth, higher glucose provide the ideal environment for bacteria to breed and cause dental decay.
Saliva is an important element that breaks down food particles and contributes to better oral health. Water assists in keeping you hydrated, neutralising acid, assisting to remove food and drink upon consumption and provides an important function in the production of saliva.
Combine the higher sugar levels and the acids produced to break down food and drink, add dry mouth, and your oral health may suffer greatly.
With higher glucose and lack of saliva, your teeth may be subject to greater long term damage. And so, those of you who are pre-diabetic or have diabetes need to take extra special care to ensure your teeth are healthy going forward for years to come.
Having regular check-ups with our dentist at Holistic Dental Melbourne CBD will ensure we provide the right advice to help manage your oral health and keep your teeth and gums in tip top condition.
What Dental Problems are caused from Diabetes?
Diabetes may contribute to the following dental issues:
- Tooth Decay
- Oral Infections
- Dry Mouth
- Periodontal Disease / Gum Disease
It’s important to ensure you follow your regular dental routine at home of brushing and flossing and ensure you drink an adequate amount of water for hydration and saliva production.
Because diabetes and the state of your oral health are linked, it is important to effectively manage both to ensure your overall health is as good as can be expected if you have to live with diabetes.
If you are at all concerned about your glucose levels or you have noticed a significant change in your saliva production or oral health then please call us to make a dental appointment and also see your doctor. If left unchecked your oral health and your overall health may suffer.
