Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes is a disease in which blood glucose levels also known as blood sugar levels spike up too high. Glucose in your body is the main source of energy and it is derived from the food that we eat and in return, it gives us energy for daily chores. Too much sugar in the blood may result in many serious health problems.

People suffering from diabetes may even harm their eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and many other vital organs of the body. But do you have any idea how it can affect your mouth as well? People with diabetes have a higher chance of developing a gum disease called Gingivitis. This is an early stage of gum disease when bacteria cause your gums to bleed, turn red, and feel sore. When sugar in your saliva is way too high, it gives an open surface for bacteria to grow faster. As bacteria grow, it combines with saliva to form plaque. Then it builds up and leads to gum disease. At a later stage of gum disease, it developed into Periodontal disease in which gum and bone couldn’t hold the teeth in place. This mouth infection will lead to bad breath, difficulty in chewing, pain in the gums, and many more issues. Let’s discuss these symptoms in detail and try to keep them at bay!

Symptoms of Periodontal disease

There might be very few symptoms at an early stage. Some common signs and symptoms that people suffer while suffering from this disease are:

• Swollen and bleeding gums on brushing.
• Dry mouth
• Soreness
• Fungal infection called thrush that causes painful white patches in the mouth.
• Tooth decay
• Mouth ulcers
• Bad breath and taste in the mouth
• Slow wound healing
• Trouble chewing, swallowing, tasting, or speaking

Treatment includes

• Control your blood sugar levels.
• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups. Do not hesitate to tell your dentist that you have diabetes.
• Use a brush only with soft bristles and floss at least twice daily.
• Inform your dentist in case of sore gums.
• Quit smoking. Smoking makes gum disease worse.

What essential Nutrients and food items to include in diet:

A healthy body will naturally fight gum disease. There are however some very effective nutrients. The key is to eat foods that nourish your oral health and to make sure you have the right nutrients within your diets, make sure you follow the guidelines below.

• Vitamin-C-rich food items because low levels of vitamin-C in the body promote gum diseases and poor tissue health. Like- red and green bell peppers.
• Beta-carotene-rich foods like carrot, sweet potatoes, spinach help the gums to heal better.
• Omega-3 has anti-inflammatory properties and keeps your immune system healthy.
• Try to eliminate sugar from your diet as bad bacteria love sugar.
• Avoid refined carbohydrates
• Milk, yogurt, cheese, and other dairy products as calcium and phosphates will help to retain the lost minerals and help in rebuilding the tooth enamel.

Over to you:

Proper treatment and care of this disease are extremely vital to avoid any further health complications. Make sure that you maintain healthy oral hygiene to decrease your risk of getting such types of diseases. Consult your doctor immediately, if any signs are observed.