Diabetes is a dangerous disease that affects the entire body and diabetic patients; They have a higher risk of heart attack, hypertension, stroke, kidney failure, blindness, nerve disease, and infection than patients without diabetes. Diabetics also have impaired healing compared to healthy individuals. This is due in part to dysfunction in certain white blood cells that fight infection.
Poorly controlled diabetics are at risk of various oral complications, including periodontal (gum) disease, salivary gland disorder, infection, nerve disease, and poor healing. There are two known important types: Type 1 and Type 2. Both are characterized by inappropriately high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia).
Periodontal disease is a common dental problem in diabetic patients. It is similar to the periodontal disease encountered among non-diabetic patients. However, it may be more severe and progress more rapidly as a result of the decreased immunity and healing associated with diabetes. The potential for these changes indicates the need for periodic professional evaluation and treatment.
Several changes in the salivary glands may develop in association with diabetes. The most commonly observed condition is dry mouth, but other findings may include enlargement of the gland and an increased risk of developing salivary duct stones and gland infection.
Poorly controlled diabetes can lead to various tissue infections. The most common type of yeast infection (Candida) is a dry mouth that further increases a person's risk. Typically, affected areas are redder than the surrounding tissue, and commonly affected areas include the tongue, palate, cheeks, gums, or corners of the mouth. The risk of cavities is higher in diabetic patients.
Oral and dental health problems are one of the most important obstacles to regulating blood sugar in diabetes. For this reason, it is impossible to treat diabetes without ensuring oral and dental health in diabetic patients, which cover such a large population in our country.
ORAL SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IN DIABETES
Susceptibility to infection
Enlargement of the salivary glands
Taste disturbance
Tongue pain
Thickening of the skin, erythroplakia, leukoplakia
Oral lichen planus
Presence of ulceration
Fibromatous developments, herpetic lesions
Lesions affecting the tongue (loss of the known color and appearance of the tongue, fibrous tumor)
Increase in dry mouth
Increase in tooth decay
Diabetics need to see a dentist regularly. They must eat their meals and take all their medications on time before the appointment. They should ask their dentist about their blood sugar and how to monitor their current status. There are no special changes in the practice of dental care in routine dental procedures (e.g. examinations, simple fillings, routine cleanings). However, more complex procedures, such as extensive surgery or treatment of serious infections, may interfere with your normal diabetes management. In such cases, your dentist will collaborate with your doctor to ensure that the most appropriate care is administered. Additionally, if you notice any abnormal changes in your mouth (such as swelling, pain, red areas), you should see your dentist as soon as possible. These changes may indicate the presence of an infection, which could compromise your normal blood sugar control and make your ability to fight infection worse.
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