What Should People with Diabetes Consider in Oral and Dental Care?
For patients with poor glycaemic control, the dental treatment plan is prepared in consultation with their internal medicine/endocrinology physicians. Where necessary, patients are asked to measure their blood glucose before the procedure. Morning appointments are generally preferred for patients with diabetes. Patients should have breakfast and take their usual insulin dose or oral antidiabetic medication on time before dental treatment. People with diabetes should brush their teeth regularly with fluoride toothpaste and use additional products such as dental floss and interdental brushes. They should also have regular check-ups with a periodontist (gum specialist).
What oral problems are seen in people with diabetes?
Diabetes affects the development and severity of gum disease. Uncontrolled diabetes and irregular glycaemic control are risk factors for gum disease, because the immune response is affected and the risk of gum disease increases. Gum disease is not just an infection of the mouth; it can affect the whole body. For this reason, diabetes and gum disease are considered to affect each other in both directions. Patients with diabetes may experience recurrent and multiple gum abscesses, swollen gums, rapid loss of the bone supporting the teeth and delayed wound healing.
The main oral changes in patients with diabetes include dry mouth, burning mouth, gum disease, reduced saliva flow and, as a result, an increased risk of tooth decay.