DIABETES AND THE DENTAL PATIENT
Diabetes mellitus is a disease of the pancreas. The physical afflictions caused by diabetes are a result of unused glucose in the bloodstream. Two main problems arise in this situation; blood flow (especially in smaller vessels) is restricted due to its thickened consistency and nutrient availability to the tissues served by these smaller blood vessels is diminished. This induces changes in these tissues that include decreased function, increased risk of infection, delayed healing and degeneration. Examples of tissues affected include the eyes, kidneys, joints, nerve endings, gums and bones.
Anyone who suffers from uncontrolled diabetes will experience problems in the mouth. Degenerating gums will recede, exposing the roots of teeth and predisposing them to decay and temperature sensitivity. Declining jawbone levels will cause teeth to shift, loosen and be lost. Areas where teeth are lost will not heal normally. There is an increasing frequency of gum infection. These are signs and symptoms of periodontal disease, and diabetes is a major risk factor for and contributor to periodontal disease.
It is imperative that you are under the direct supervision of a physician if you are diabetic. Recent studies have shown that rigorously monitoring and aggressively managing blood sugar levels greatly minimizes the complications of diabetes, especially Type I (the more severe form). When appropriately controlled, diabetes need not cause impairment of your oral health. Proper nutrition, thorough homecare, replacement of missing teeth and more frequent dental cleanings will help prevent the problems associated with diabetes from occurring.