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How Diabetes Affects Oral Health

Diabetes is an all-too common health issue for millions of Americans. Recent studies conducted by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) show that over 34 million adults in the US – or approximately 1 in 10 people – suffer from diabetes. If you are one of those, you should know that diabetes not only affects your overall health; it impacts your oral health as well.

One of the most common oral health problems for diabetics is gum disease. In fact, some studies estimate that over 20% of people with diabetes also have periodontal disease, which is an inflammatory disease that can destroy your gum tissue and eventually lead to tooth loss. If it’s left untreated, gum disease can even cause extensive damage to your bone tissue. Researchers believe that diabetics are more likely to develop gum disease because their bodies lack the ability to control blood sugar and because diabetes makes it more difficult for these patients to fight off harmful gum bacteria. Gum disease symptoms include swollen, red and/or tender gums; bleeding gums; sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks; receding gums; chronic bad breath; gum sores; and, in the latter stages, loose teeth.

In addition to periodontal disease, there are several other oral health symptoms that are typical for people with diabetes. These include:

Decreased sense of taste
Reduced saliva production, which leads to chronic dry mouth
Higher risk of developing tooth decay due to dry mouth and lowered ability to fight off bad bacteria inside the mouth
Higher risk of developing slow-to-heal mouth sores and infections inside the mouth

If you are a diabetic, be sure to talk to your dentist about the best ways to care for your teeth and gums. In many cases, gum disease treatment can make it easier for diabetics to control their blood sugar, and that can actually slow the progression of the disease. Your dentist may recommend more frequent professional cleanings and periodic deep cleanings. And, of course, practicing a daily oral hygiene routine at home is a must.

In addition to additional trips to the dentist and performing daily oral hygiene at home, diabetics should also avoid some personal habits and adopt others that can slow down the disease and improve good overall health as well as good oral health. If you’re trying to be as healthy as possible when living with diabetes, you should avoid smoking, follow the recommended diet for diabetics, get regular exercise, and – if you wear dentures – wear your dental appliance every day. For more information about living with diabetes and maintaining good oral health, talk to your dentist.

Different Types of Dentures Explained

If you or a family member are considering getting a new set of dentures, you should know that there are many different types of dentures available. We’ve compiled this list of modern denture alternatives to help decide which type would be best for you.

Traditional full set of dentures – A full set of dentures is designed to replace all of the patient’s teeth, and they consist of a top and a bottom plate. Traditional dentures sit on top of the patient’s gums, as opposed to other types of appliances that are anchored to a patient’s existing natural teeth. Most people can be fitted with traditional dentures within 8 to 12 weeks after having their teeth extracted.
Immediate full set of dentures – This type of denture is also a full set, consisting of both a top and a bottom plate. But the difference with immediate dentures is that they are fitted onto the patient’s gums immediately after his/her teeth are extracted. The advantage is that the patient doesn’t have to live without teeth for 8 to 12 weeks after extraction. But you should note that you will have to return to your dentist periodically so the dentures can be relined since the shape of your gums changes as the tissue heals.
Implant-supported dentures – One increasingly popular style of modern dentures are those that are supported by dental implants. An implant consists of a metal artificial tooth root that is implanted into the patient’s jawbone. After a period of time, the metal fuses with the bone, and an artificial tooth (typically a porcelain crown) is affixed on top of the implant. The patient can then be fitted with a set of dentures that is securely supported and kept in place by the implants. Unlike traditional dentures, implant-supported dentures are not removable by the patient.
Snap-in dentures – Similar to implant-supported dentures, snap-in dentures are secured in place by dental implants. The main difference is that these dentures are removable by the patient.
Partial dentures – If you are missing just a few teeth, a partial denture might be a good way to replace those teeth. Consisting of artificial teeth mounted onto a gum-colored base and secured by metal brackets, a partial is convenient because it can be removed by the patient. It’s important to find a suitable replacement for missing teeth – whether it’s a partial denture or some other appliance, such as a dental bridge – because your other teeth will move to fill in the gap left behind by your missing teeth. When that happens, it can throw your bite off and can even result to damage to the existing teeth. Many patients find that partials work well to replace a few missing teeth.

For more information about modern denture options, talk to your dentist. He or she can tell you more and help you decide which is the best choice for you.

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