Diabetes and Dental Health

Diabetes is a condition when your blood sugar level is high. The normal fasting blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL and less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating food. Pancreas in our body produces a hormone called Insulin which helps the cells in the body to absorb the glucose or sugar in the blood for energy. Diabetes develops either when your body does not produce enough insulin or when your cells become resistant to the insulin produced by your body.

There are basically 3 types of diabetes

1.      Type 1 diabetes: When the production of Insulin by our body is insufficient. These patients have to take insulin injections.

2.      Type 2 diabetes: When the body produces insulin but the cells develop resistance and do not absorb the blood sugar available. This is the most common type of diabetes.

3.      Gestational diabetes: Develops during pregnancy, usually goes away after delivery but sometimes may manifest itself as type 2 diabetes after pregnancy.

4.      Other types of diabetes

In any of the cases, the blood sugar level remains high and may cause many problems. Over a period of time, a person may develop problems related to every organ in the body due to uncontrolled diabetes.

These mainly include,

1.      Heart diseases

2.      Stroke

3.      Eye problems

4.      Kidney problems

5.      Dental issues

6.      Nerve damage

7.      Foot problems etc.,

Hence it is required that one maintains a steady blood sugar level with the correct medication and of course control on diet and doing regular exercises.

Since diabetes can reduce blood supply to the gums, it is common that people with uncontrolled diabetes develop gum related issues. They may have bleeding gums, infection of the gums, etc.,

Diabetics may also have reduced saliva secretion leading to dry mouth. Dry mouth may inturn cause bad breath, more cavities; worsen the gum disease and more calculus deposits.

Dental problems requiring extraction or any procedure with bleeding like the placement of an implant etc. need to be done with caution since uncontrolled blood sugar levels may not allow satisfactory wound healing.

Hence, it is required that all diabetics make a regular biannual visit to the dentist to get their oral hygiene assessed and treated periodically so that the health of the gums and teeth can be maintained.

Maintaining or controlling the blood sugar levels is a highly important part of any diabetic, to have a healthy and happy life.

To know more, visit:

www.nelivigidentalclinic.com