Beauty And Fitness
| By : Dr. Ratnadeep Patil | Previous | Next |
| Posted on : 05 Nov, 2009 | Total Views : 23 |
Diabetes is a predominant health problem today. It is characterized by abnormally high blood sugar resulting from insufficient levels of the hormone insulin. The characteristic symptoms are excessive urine production, excessive thirst and increased fluid intake, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss and lethargy. Diabetes can hit at any age, be it a young child or an adult. If not checked regularly, it may be very dangerous. So consultation with the specialist is very important to treat diabetes.
Diabetes can cause not just heart disease, nerve damage, kidney disease and eye damage but also it can lead to oral health complications associated. Dental problems in people with diabetes are so rampant that oral problems deserve attention and treatment to avoid larger complications.
Oral health problems associated with diabetes
1. Tooth decay.
2. Periodontal (gum) disease; bleeding gums, tooth sensitivity,recession of gums, bad breath(halitosis), swollen gums, itchy gums,and loose teeth.
3. Salivary gland dysfunction (dry mouth ).
4. Fungal infections.
5. Lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease).
6. Infection and delayed healing.
7. Taste impairment.
8. Denture-sore mouth, and
9. Changes in the tongue (such as chronic fissured tongue).
10. Delayed wound healing
11. Altered immune and inflammatory responses.
12. Oral neuropathies : burning mouth syndrome, burning tongue, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (tmd), depapillation and fissuring of the tongue.
To do list
1. Check the blood sugar level regularly.
2. Take the medicines regularly as prescribed.
3. Visit the dentist every 6 months.
4. The dentist will advice appropriate gum treatment or saliva substitutes if required as diabetics tend to have a dry mouth.
5. Diabetics need to take more care of their teeth then others as they are more prone to decay and infection.
Written By : Dr. Ratnadeep Patil
