The Link Between Diabetes and Dental Health

(Small Sample from a Longer Article)
by Michelle Strait

You can tell a lot about a person’s health by looking at their teeth and gums. The mouth is often referred to as the mirror of health because it reflects what’s going on inside the body.

Diabetics should be especially concerned with oral health because diabetes often causes serious dental problems.

Diabetes and Dental Problems

The potential dental problems caused by diabetes cover a wide spectrum. Some complications may simply be annoying, while others can be dangerous. Periodontal disease is one of the biggest dental health threats faced by diabetics.

According to the American Academy of Periodontology, periodontal diseases are diseases of the gum which affect the gums and bone supporting the teeth. These diseases are a result of serious bacterial infections that can lead to ruined gums and tooth loss.

The following dental problems fall under the umbrella of periodontal disease:

1. Gingivitis - inflammation and infection of the soft gum tissue.
2. Periodontitis - inflammation and infection of the supporting ligaments and bones of the teeth.
3. Oral candidiasis - yeast infection of the mouth.
4. Cavities - holes that develop in decayed teeth.
5. Burning Mouth Syndrome - a burning sensation felt in the lips, tongue, or throughout the entire mouth.

For diabetics, proper blood sugar control is necessary to prevent and control dental problems. 

Good oral hygiene and regular trips to the dentist are also important. There are several easy to maintain nutritional practices that can help protect the diabetic from developing serious dental problems.

Antioxidants Help Diabetics Keep Smiling

When a person has periodontal disease, the body produces by-products known as free radicals. 

The free radicals travel through the body damaging or destroying healthy cells. They’re like an angry mob rioting in the street destroying everything in sight, except in this case the street is the human body. The good news is the body produces nutrients designed to protect the cells and stop free radicals.

Antioxidants are the body’s police force. It’s their job to get dangerous free radicals under control. Vitamins C, E, A, and the carotenoids, like beta-carotene, are the most powerful antioxidant nutrients. 

A study done at the University of Buffalo showed that low levels of vitamins C, E, A, and carotenoids increased the risk for periodontal disease. Obesity is also a risk factor, as it often increases inflammation and weakens the immune system.

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