Diabetes and Its Corresponding Dental Disorders and Complictions

   

Hello dear readers this Dr. Haq here once again. Salams and salutations. At the moment of writing this piece it is the “World Diabetes Day”. So I thought I would change my current topic and write a bit on diabetes and its correlating dental pathologies.

     Diabetes is a disorder in which the body is unable to convert and metabolise glucose molecules properly and effectively, leading to excess glucose present in the blood stream. Glucose is extremely important for almost all cellular functions as well as formation of ATP adenosine triphosphate the energy currency in the body.

     According to the WHO website, the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. The global prevalence of diabetes* among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in middle- and low-income countries.

Diabetes as a whole can be a mix of genetic, hereditary and lifestyle reason. If there is a history of type 2 diabetes in the family it does not necessarily mean that a person who eats healthy and exercises regularly will suffer from it as well. This does not necessarily also mean that the person cannot suffer from it as well. Sometimes diabetes can go undiagnosed and lead to severe life threatening issues like renal failure, due to chronic diabetes

Diabetes has a large number of complications and symptoms that go along with the disease a simple search on the topic leads to thousands of websites from reputable sources such as the American Diabetes Association and WHO. Though I still found the dental issues at times go unmentioned, so I decided to write a brief on how diabetes can affect the health of your oral cavity.

The most common symptoms of type to diabetes is as follows:

·         Sores or cuts that do not heal properly

·         Excessive thirst

·         Frequent or increased urination, especially at night

·         Excessive hunger

·         Fatigue

·         Blurry vision

   Diabetes causes an excess of glucose in the blood stream and in the saliva, because of this high availability of sugar in the saliva the bacteria present can immediately start feeding multiplying and producing acids, which leads to gingivitis, periodontitis, tooth decay and loss of teeth. This means that a person suffering from diabetes has a higher chance of losing more teeth than a normal individual. Like any other infection gum disease can also lead to an increase in blood sugar levels. Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities.

More symptoms of diabetes related oral diseases are as follows:

·         A sore or ulcer that refuses to heal

·         Dark spots or cavities on or around your teeth

·         Persistent pain of the jaw, face and or mouth

·         Loose teeth

·         Pain on chewing

·         Persistent bad taste or change of taste altogether

·         Halitosis (Bad breath)

Also remember smoking and diabetes, or smoking and all oral diseases are a very bad combination. Smoking can not only increase risk of all diseases like periodontitis, heart attack, fungal infection, sores, heart attack, and many more.

Often than not diabetes patients who also smoke generally have exasperated  symptoms that refuse to heal and lead to complications.

           How to avoid risks and keep your mouth healthy

1.       Monitor you blood glucose levels closely and regularly

2.       Always take your medications regularly and predictably

3.       Brush twice a day everyday

4.       If you wear dentures keep them clean and make sure they are maintained

5.       Always eat a nutritional meal and keep a small snack or snack bar at hand

6.       Make sure to tell your dentist that you have diabetes

7.       If the problem in your mouth persists contact your dentist immediately

8.       If any other symptom or problem arises contact your physician immediately

9.       Follow the advice of your physician, dentist and or nutritionists advice completely and predictably

10.   If you smoke take steps to stop smoking

   For the medical students and or medical professionals reading this article make sure to ask your patients about their blood glucose levels, make sure they are normalised and are taking their medications at the right intervals or if they have been hospitalised in past months. A good medical history can save lives.

   Make sure their tests are up to date. Tests such as :

·         Fasting blood sugar

·         Random plasma glucose

·         2 hour plasma glucose

·         Fructosamine test

·         Glycated haemoglobin

      *Tests may vary according to which country you are currently residing in and the availability of the tests in your area.

                  Management of a Diabetic Patient for the Dentist

1.       Patient should have already had a balanced meal (includes fat, protein and carbohydrate) at least 2 hours before the procedure

2.       Patients should have taken their medications

3.       Food (a balanced nutritional supplement ) in case the procedure lasts longer than 2 hours

For more information and a better grasp please visit the link below to the national institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases mentioned as my source below

As always dear readers don’t forget to brush regularly and keep smiling. Till next time.

Source

https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems