Diabetes is a condition in which the body
breaks down carbohydrates abnormally due to insufficient levels of insulin.
These inadequate insulin levels are caused by insulin deficiency in patients
with type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance is those with type 2 diabetes.
Symptoms which make up this syndrome
that is known as diabetes include excessive thirst, passing a lot of urine and an
increased appetite. These classic symptoms of type 1 diabetes may be
accompanied by losing weight, drowsiness and feeling very tired. Symptoms of
type 2 diabetes include blurred vision, tingling sensations in the legs and
other nerve problems.
Gingivitis and Periodontitis
Patients with poorly diabetes are prone
to developing infections in the mouth because of their decreased ability to
fight disease causing micro-organisms. Bacterial infections that commonly affect diabetics include those of the gums known as
gingivitis and the more serious ones which affect the gums and jaw known as periodontitis.
Symptoms of periodontitis include painful gums which can swell and retract from the teeth. These gums also tend to bleed when brushing the teeth. Halitosis or bad breath and pain when chewing are other symptoms of periodontal disease.
Symptoms of periodontitis include painful gums which can swell and retract from the teeth. These gums also tend to bleed when brushing the teeth. Halitosis or bad breath and pain when chewing are other symptoms of periodontal disease.
If left untreated, pus can accumulate between
the teeth and gums and destroy the bones that support the teeth. This alveolar
bone loss causes the teeth to become loose and fall off. Untreated
periodontitis also affects blood sugar levels adversely making it harder to
control diabetes. This leads to a vicious cycle in which the high blood glucose
levels worsen the infection which continues to raise the glucose levels.
Oral Candidiasis
Adults with poorly controlled diabetes are also
at a higher risk of developing recurrent fungal infections in the mouth like
candidiasis. This infection which is commonly known as thrush, is more likely
to take root in those who smoke cigarettes or wear dentures.
Xerostomia
Xerostomia or dry mouth is another oral condition associated with
diabetes. This dryness in the mouth is caused by a decrease in the flow of saliva and
it can cause sores, soreness, mouth infections and tooth decay.
Other Conditions
Lichen planus and recurrent aphthous stomatitis
are other oral conditions that have been noted to occur more frequently in
diabetics.
Prevention
All these oral manifestations and
complications of diabetes can be prevented by ensuring blood sugar levels are maintained
within the normal limits.
Diabetics who smoke cigarettes should
also stop smoking since smoking not only increases the risk of developing
bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth, but it also worsens them.
Oral hygiene should also be maintained
by brushing the teeth every day. Diabetics who wear dentures should also remove
and clean them daily to avoid developing infections in their mouths.
