Nobody ever said living with diabetes was easy, and whether you suffer from type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there is a range of health problems that diabetics are more vulnerable to and need to be aware of. One of the most common complaints suffered by diabetic people is poor dental health, even if they maintain a strict dental hygiene routine, and gum disease can be a particularly difficult condition to deal with even with preventive dentistry.
Why are diabetic people more vulnerable to gum disease?
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease, and like all autoimmune diseases, it reduces the body's ability to fight off harmful bacteria effectively. Gum disease, or gingivitis, to use the more technically correct term, is caused by bacteria attacking the soft tissues of the gums, causing them to become inflamed and damaged. Consequently, diabetic people are more likely to develop serious gum disease than non-diabetics.
Gum disease can be painful and can develop into a more serious condition called periodontitis, which in serious cases can damage the bones of the jaw and cause serious problems with oral health. To make matters worse, studies have shown that gum disease can make it harder for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar levels, creating a vicious circle that can cause cases of gum disease to worsen rapidly and have a deleterious effect on the rest of your body.
How can diabetic people avoid developing gum disease?
As you can imagine, keeping gum disease at bay should be a top priority for any diabetic person, even if they have a milder version of the disease and can control their blood sugar levels relatively easily -- a mild case of gum disease, if left untreated, can quickly cause your overall health to spiral out of control.
Fortunately, diabetic people can prevent gum disease in the same ways non-diabetic people can. Good oral hygiene is paramount, and you should brush your teeth at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled brush to avoid accidentally damaging your gums and creating lacerations through which bacteria can enter the gum tissues. Daily flossing is also beneficial, and you should also take care to avoid sugary and acidic foods as much as possible, something all diabetic people should be doing anyway.
However, if you suffer from diabetes, you will almost certainly have to visit your dentist for checkups more than a non-diabetic person. You should schedule a thorough dental examination with your dentist at least twice a year (and ideally more often than that) so they can keep a close eye on your oral health and spot any early warning signs of gum disease.
Your dentist can also provide you with useful tools to help you prevent gum disease before it starts. They can supply you with special prescription toothbrushes, toothpastes and mouthwashes designed specifically for the unique needs of diabetic people, which can help to reduce gum inflammation and kill off any bacteria that your body's weakened immune system cannot handle.
Visiting a dentist frequently is even more important if you suffer from a dry mouth, which can be caused by elevated blood sugar and certain medications often taken by diabetic people. Insufficient saliva leaves your gums more vulnerable to bacterial infection; your dentist can supply you with oral gels and artificial saliva to keep your mouth moist, and will inspect your salivary glands to check for stones and other problems which can inhibit proper saliva production.
