Insulin is a primordial hormone for the proper performance of the human body. Its main task is to maintain an adequate blood glucose value, which then will be transformed into energy for the function of muscles and tissues. The responsible of generating this hormone is the pancreas, and when this organ isn’t capable of generating the exact amount of insulin that the organism requires or it’s unable to use it with efficacy, a disease called Diabetes is developed.
Not following a proper diabetes treatment or not having the level of glucose under control on the blood can bring out very dangerous consequences for the organism and the maintenance of a good oral health as well. One of the risks produced by this disease is the high possibility of suffering from dental problems.
Diabetes-related most common problems:
-Infections caused by a fungus: this complication is more likely to affect diabetics as their immune system is in danger, which raises the probabilities of developing an infection that could cause difficulties to swallow or intense pain.
-Gum disease: diabetics tend to have a lower resistance and face longer healing processes, this is the reason why often they suffer from gum disease. Developing this complication can be a threat to the diabetes treatment but its proper control is very helpful to fight the high levels of sugar in the blood.
Recent studies have shown that dentists could identify and diagnose patients as diabetics taking in count two aspects produced by gum disease: the number of teeth they have lost and the percentage of deep periodontal pockets.
-Infections and slow cicatrization: the level of glucose in the blood can affect the correct recuperation of any procedure or dental surgery as the healing process turns longer and the possibilities of developing an infection are higher. It’s very important to maintain the level of glucose in the blood under control, especially after and before a dental surgery.
-Dry mouth: this is another diabetes associated problem that happens when the production of saliva in the mouth it’s not enough. The saliva is essential to maintain the mouth moisten and free from infections, so its lack can cause tooth decay, mouth infections, pain, ulcers, and gingivitis.
Does diabetes always come with oral health consequences?
As you can see, the risk of suffering any disease or mouth infection rises with diabetes. In fact, this condition makes their patients more likely to develop one of the problems named before and also makes their recuperation process longer than the usual. But having diabetes does not necessarily mean that you will be affected by infections, dry mouth, slow cicatrization or gum disease. If you follow the right treatment and keep good habits that will help you maintain controlled levels of glucose in the blood, the apparition of oral diseases doesn’t have to be a consequence of having diabetes. Keeping a good oral hygiene will also guarantee the health of your mouth, gums, and teeth over any other condition.
