DENTAL PROBLEMS IN DIABETES MELLITUS PATIENTS.

 Hello guys,

YOUR DENTAL COMPADRE is always eager to spill the dental facts. Hope you guys are doing great and may be in a state of Eudaimonia, as it's important to lead a happy and healthy life.

Consequently, individuals having Diabetes Mellitus might be feeling that they are not sick, it's just that their pancreas is lazy, otherwise they are healthy.

DIABETES MELLITUS AND DENTAL PROBLEMS:

What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)?

It is a chronic condition that occurs when pancreas doesn't produce sufficient amount of Insulin (Blood glucose regulating hormone) or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. So, in uncontrolled Diabetes there is increase in blood glucose(sugar) level.i.e. hyperglycemia.

Common Symptoms(DM):

Feeling thirsty.
Increased hunger.
Frequent urination.
Loss of weight unintentionally.
Feeling tired.
Blurred vision.

DENTAL PROBLEMS RELATED WITH DIABETES MELLITUS:

1) Dry mouth (Xerostomia): Decrease in salivary production, consistency of saliva becomes more viscous.

2) Dental Caries: Due to xerostomia and elevated levels of sugar in saliva, there is increased risk of developing dental caries.

3) Bad Breath (Diabetic Breath): It is more often smells like rotten apples or pear drops.

4) Gingival and Periodontal problems: Gingivitis (gum inflammation) if remains untreated, it may progress into Periodontitis (destruction of bone and other supporting periodontal tissues)

Signs:

Gum inflammation.
Receding gums.
Painful abscess.
Teeth drifting apart.
Loose teeth.
Tooth loss.

5) Oral Thrush (Candidiasis): Fungal infection.

6) Diminished taste sensation.

7) Delayed wound healing after tooth extraction.

8) Burning mouth syndrome (a burning sensation inside the mouth due to uncontrolled blood glucose level)

 

Eat Healthy, Stay Healthy!

-Dr Aditi Sudhir Choche