Diabetes in Dental Patients

Oral Health in Diabetic Patients

Lack of insulin/insulin resistance causes inability of insulin resistant cells to use glucose

Fatty acids and amino acids converted to triglyceride and protein stores

Research shows that there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among those with diabetes, adding serious gum disease to the list of other complications associated with diabetes, including heart disease, stroke and kidney disease.

First and foremost, control your blood glucose level!

Then take good care of your teeth and gums with 3 main steps: brushing, flossing, and seeing your dentist regularly (at least every 6 months).

Important to brush at least twice a day and floss at least once a day.

Consult your dentist or hygienist to show you the correct way to brush and floss.

People with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease , although it may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.

Promote uptake of glucose from blood into cells and storage as glycogen

How can I help prevent dental problems associated with diabetes?

Research suggests that people with diabetes are at higher risk for oral health problems, such as gingivitis (an early stage of gum disease) and periodontitis (serious gum disease).

People with diabetes are at an increased risk for serious gum disease as they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums.

Insulin is synthesized in beta cells of pancreas and secreted rapidly into blood in response to elevations in blood sugar

Additional Tips for Better Oral Care:

• Have a dental checkup every six months, or as often as indicated by a professional.
• Inform your dentist or hygienist that you have diabetes and any other medical condition.
• Brush for two minutes a day with a toothpaste containing an antigingival/antibacterial ingredient to help prevent gingivitis.
• Contact your dentist or hygienist if you experience any of these signs of gum disease:
• Gums that bleed or are red, puffy or swollen, or sore
• Gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• Pus that appears between your teeth and your gums
• Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth

Oral Health in Diabetic

Patients

Facts About Diabetes

Healthy people maintain blood glucose level 60-150mg/dL

Oral Infections

Warning Signs

Oral infections are groups of germs that cause problems in one area of your mouth. Warning signs include:

• Swelling or pus around your teeth or gums or any place in your mouth.
• Pain in the mouth or sinus area
• White or red patches on your gums, tongue, cheeks or the roof of your mouth.
• Pain when chewing.
• Teeth that hurt when you eat something cold, hot or sweet, or when you chew.
• Dark spots or holes in your teeth.

Plaque is the main bad guy of gum disease. But diabetes can also be a culprit!

Diabetes can weaken your mouth's germ-fighting powers.

High blood sugar levels can help the gum disease get worse. At the same time, gum disease can make diabetes harder to control.

What is Diabetes?

A group of metabolic diseases causing high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period of time.

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss

• Red, swollen, or tender gums

• Pus between the teeth and gums

• Halitosis (bad breath)

• Loose permanent teeth

• Tooth root becomes exposed

• Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges.

Type 1

Others

Type 2

• Caused by autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas

• Most common in childhood and adolescence

• High incidence of severe complications

• Prone to autoimmune diseases

Poor Healing - if your diabetes is poorly controlled, healing is slower and it increases your chance of infection after dental surgery.

Dry Mouth - A dry mouth can increase your risk of cavities as there is less saliva to wash away germs and take care of the acids they create. Dry mouth can sometimes lead to other problems e.g. salivary gland infections.

• Caused by impaired insulin function (insulin resistance)
• 90-95% of DM cases
• Risk factors:
• age
• obesity
• alcohol
• diet
• family history
• lack of physical activity