Last Updated on December 11, 2024
Recent studies have revealed what could be another health complication related to diabetes. Researchers at Duke University have found that anyone diagnosed with diabetes is more likely to suffer from tooth loss and other oral health problems.
The study looked at information from over 37,000 patients from 1971 to 2012 to see correlations between tooth loss and diabetes. The connection was even stronger in specific minority groups. Dr. Edmond Hewlett, the American Dental Association spokesperson, expanded on the results, “They did indeed find there was a clear connection between tooth loss and diabetes, especially among African Americans.” Around 1 in 5 cases of tooth loss are connected to diabetes.
Research has already shown a link between the overall health of a person and his or hers’ oral health, but this study went even further. The results from Duke’s study showed that diabetes (and other diseases) could affect some races quicker than others.
Untreated or uncontrolled diabetes can lead to dry mouth, gingivitis, slower healing sores, and a higher risk of cavities. People diagnosed with diabetes are also more likely to be diagnosed with gum disease.
Tips For A Healthy Mouth
Choosing sugar-free candies and sugar might not be helping as much as you think. Australian researchers tested 23 sugar-free candies and sodas to see the effect they had on teeth. The study showed that while they didn’t have any sugar, they had low pH levels that harmed teeth just as much. The acid in the sugar-free products caused dental erosion on the participants’ teeth. The research showed that soft drinks softened the tooth enamel by 30% to 50%. This was caused by the citric acid that many of the drinks contained.
While these sugar-free drinks and candies might be a little better for your glucose levels, you should avoid them for your oral health. If you do buy a sugar-free product, read the ingredients label to see if it contains any acidic ingredients that will harm your teeth.
After you eat food high in citric acid, rinse your mouth with water. Rinsing your mouth will help clean out the citric acid residue that can linger in your mouth and continue to cause harm. Dentists suggest waiting for one hour before brushing your teeth after eating anything acidic. Brushing your teeth immediately after can remove more enamel after being soften by the acidity.
For diabetics, one of the most important things you can do for your teeth is to control your blood glucose levels. Keeping tight control of your diabetes will drastically reduce the chance of having oral health complications.
Aside from controlling your diabetes, the best way to have a healthy smile is to do the basics: brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss after meals, and visit the dentist regularly. These simple things that dentists have been telling us for years make a significant difference on dental health.
Another useful tip for keeping a healthy mouth is to quit smoking and stay away from tobacco. Smoking cigarettes on a regular basis not only yellows teeth, but it also increases the likelihood of gum disease and slows healing process in oral sores.
What You Need To Know
Being diagnosed with diabetes does put you at an increased risk of several health complications, tooth loss being one of them, but that doesn’t mean you should kiss your pearly whites goodbye. Make sure that you brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss in between meals, and visit the dentist twice a year and you’ll have a head full of teeth for years to come.
