How can diabetes affect my oral health?

Diabetes is a disease that affects many people around the world. Unfortunately, diabetes can also affect your oral health and has been linked to gum disease in recent years. For this reason, if you have diabetes, it’s important to take good care of your teeth and gums on your own and with the help of a dentist in Sydney CBD.

At Spa Dental Sydney CBD, we appreciate that diabetic patients are at higher risk or developing oral health problems and for this reason they need to establish a preventive oral health care routine with the help of our dentist in Sydney CBD.

Oral health problems and diabetes

Most patients experience tooth decay and gum disease at some point in their life. However, patients with diabetes are more prone to these oral infections than others. This is because the glucose levels of diabetic patients are low and this can affect the healing process, while at the same time encouraging infection. Apart from gum disease and tooth decay, diabetic patients are also susceptible to dry mouth and other oral diseases and infections.

Diabetes and gum disease

Gum disease is caused by the same bacteria responsible for the formation of cavities. This bacteria produces plaque which, when hardened is trapped between the teeth and gums leading to swollen and sensitive gums. If gum disease is left untreated, it will start destroying the ligaments around the teeth that keep them in place. This might even lead to tooth loss.

Diabetic patients are more vulnerable to gum disease, but can prevent and control it by managing their glucose levels. If you notice any symptoms (i.e. puffy and red gums), it’s really important to talk to your dentist in Sydney CBD.

Diabetes and tooth decay

Tooth decay is also caused by plaque. Cavities are formed on your teeth when sugar and starch in the food and drink you eat break down into acids and start attacking your enamel. Diabetic patients produce less saliva than others and this can favour the formation of cavities in their mouth. To prevent tooth decay and cavities, make sure you brush and floss your teeth daily and visit your dentist in Sydney CBD regularly for cleanings.

All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.