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Warning sign diabetes is causing a problem in your mouth and when to see a doctor
No one likes the dentist but everyone knows keeping your mouth clean is important, and even more so for people with diabetes since high blood sugar can affect oral care.
Ensuring your teeth are clean and healthy is vital, and there are certain warning signs that diabetes may be causing a problem in your mouth – including the dreaded dry mouth. Research shows you should avoid the risk of diabetes and look out for these signs, while other studies suggest you can slash your diabetes risk by following a Mediterranean diet.
Oral problems could be an early sign of diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces, as per a World Health Organisation definition.
Maintaining a healthy mouth can help manage diabetes as it can impact oral care. High blood sugar can weaken white blood cells and make it harder to keep your mouth healthy, as CDC reports.
White blood cells are your body’s main way to fight infections that can occur in the mouth. If these become weak, infections become harder to fight.
If the sugar level is high in your blood, it is high in your saliva too. Bacteria in plaque (a sticky film that coats teeth) use sugar as food.
Dry mouth, otherwise known as xerostomia, is a lack of moisture, caused by a lack of saliva, in your mouth. This can be a symptom of high blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Sometimes dry mouth may be the first noticeable symptom of diabetes, as Cleveland Clinic explains.
When to see a doctor about diabetes warning signs
If you feel like you are experiencing dry mouth more than usual, you should mention it to a healthcare provider at your next appointment.
Flag the issue sooner rather than later if you have diabetes and any of the following symptoms:
- Bleeding from your teeth or mouth
- Loose teeth
- Mouth pain
- Sores in your mouth
- Trouble chewing, swallowing or talking
Some bacteria in the mouth can cause cavities and gum disease. If an infected tooth is not treated, it can also lead to tooth loss.
Note that gum disease can be more severe if you have diabetes. Your gums may become inflamed and bleed often (signs of gum disease).
Infections in your mouth can take longer to heal and high blood sugar can make it harder to keep your mouth healthy.
The American Dental Association recommends brushing your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, and also flossing your teeth at least once a day.
