4 Common Oral Problems Associated With Diabetes

Diabetes is a medical condition that causes high blood sugar. The hormone insulin moves sugar from the blood to the cells. That sugar can be used as the energy fuel or it can be stored there. Diabetes causes a lack of insulin in your blood or the inability to transport sugar. There are different types of diabetes: type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the most common is type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes have a lot of problems, and oral ones aren’t an exception. Keep reading to learn which oral problems are associated with diabetes.

1. Gum disease

Gum disease is an inflammation of your gums. This is a common medical condition that is caused by poor oral hygiene. It’s a serious infection that leads to periodontitis (the second form of this disease). Gum disease is one of the most common reasons for tooth loss in adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 47.2% of American adults aged 30 and over have some form of periodontal disease. Everyone can develop gum disease, but there are several risk factors for the condition such as diabetes, broken fillings, genetics, tobacco usage, medications, etc. If you have this infection, you may experience:

- Swollen gums

- Tooth loss

- Tooth sensitivity

- Bleeding gums

- Pain while chewing

- Bad breath

Gum disease can be treated with deep teeth cleaning, antibiotic medications, or even surgery. To prevent this disease, you should maintain good oral hygiene and eat a well-balanced diet.

2. Gum abscess

An abscess is a pocket of infection that can form on different parts of your body, and gums aren’t an exception. This medical condition can be caused by many reasons, but the most popular are poor oral hygiene, gum disease, and diabetes. Symptoms of gum abscess include:

- Fever

- Tooth loss

- Pain while chewing

- Tooth sensitivity

- Bad breath

- Awful taste in the mouth

If you think that you have this condition, don’t waste time, and contact a dentistry clinic. Gum abscess can spread to other parts of your body. Treatment may require deep teeth cleaning, scaling, root planing, and medications. To prevent gum absess, maintain proper oral hygiene and a healthy diet.

3. Tooth decay

Tooth decay and associated cavities are common dental problems. Tooth decay implies damage to the teeth, but cavities are permanently damaged areas of the teeth that turn into small holes. This condition should be treated immediately. Otherwise, it leads to tooth loss. Tooth decay can be caused by many reasons, but the main one is poor oral hygiene. Bacteria that are contained in plaque convert sugar from your food into acids. There are several stages of tooth decay: initial demineralization, enamel decay, dentin decay, pulp damage, and abscess. If you have this condition, you will experience:

- Tooth sensitivity

- Toothache

- Stained teeth

- Pain while chewing

- Visible holes in teeth

Tooth decay may cause several complications, like tooth abscess, chewing problems, shifting teeth, broken teeth, etc. To prevent this condition, you should clean your teeth and gums regularly and limit your consumption of sugary snacks and beverages.

4. Mouth ulcers

Mouth ulcers are small painful lesions that may develop in your mouth. This is a common problem that occurs in 4% of all American citizens. These ulcers can decrease your quality of life. Anyone can develop them. However, one of the most common causes of mouth ulcers is diabetes. There are three types of mouth ulcers: minor, major, and herpetiform. If you have this medical condition, you may experience:

- High fever

- Severe diarrhea

- Persistent sores in the mouth

- Problems eating or drinking

Mouth ulcers require medical help. A dentist will create a personalized treatment plan. To prevent ulcers, avoid foods that irritate the mouth, take care of your teeth properly, and eat a healthy diet.

The bottom line

If you have diabetes, see a doctor manage your symptoms. Many oral diseases can be provoked by this medical condition. To prevent them, maintain good oral hygiene and eat a well-balanced diet. If you notice any changes in your mouth, don’t neglect them. Instead, contact a dental specialist as soon as you can. A lot of dental diseases lead to awful aftermaths.