On World Diabetes Day, November 14, orthodontist and specialist at the Eurokappa Scientific and Clinical Center Olga Lebedeva, in a conversation with socialbites.ca, revealed the impact of the disease on oral health.
“In diabetes, the pancreas produces insufficient levels of hormones. This leads to increased blood sugar, followed by metabolic disorders in tissues and reduced immunity. Against the background of these processes, all organs and systems in the body are damaged, including teeth and the oral cavity,” explained the doctor.
According to Lebedeva, in patients with diabetes, wounds and ulcers may appear on the mucous membranes that do not heal for a long time, and the gums may bleed:
“Hormonal imbalance, disorders in glucose metabolism and tissue nutrition, which are the main symptoms of diabetes, lead to periodontal inflammation, caries and stomatitis. “Wounds on the gums take a long time to heal, periodontal disease is difficult to treat, and loosening of teeth causes their loss.”
The dentist emphasized that due to poor tissue regeneration and a high risk of bleeding, you cannot remove your teeth and do orthodontic treatment (you can install bridges, implants, dentures, but not braces and aligners) if you have diabetes.
Lebedeva recommended that diabetics carefully maintain oral hygiene and undergo regular preventive examinations by a dentist.
“To strengthen your gums, you need to use an irrigator with a special solution, include fresh vegetables and fruits in your menu and quit smoking. All patients, especially diabetics, should have their teeth professionally cleaned twice a year. <…> “You can also strengthen tooth enamel with the help of special products that restore its mineral composition,” he advised.
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