It is common for the elderly to experience oral health problems brought about by other diseases such as diabetes. Diabetes causes many oral problems, such as infected gums and bones holding your teeth or cavities. This is because when you have diabetes, the gum reduces blood supply.
Symptoms of diabetes
Persistent bad breath in the mouth even after brushing is accompanied by changes in how your teeth fit in the mouth. Furthermore, you may experience red, swollen, tender gums that easily bleed while brushing your teeth.
Dry mouth
Saliva is a vital fluid found in the mouth. It keeps the mouth wet, thus preventing it from bad breath. Diabetes affects your mouth by changing the saliva supply, which aids in washing away food particles hence preventing tooth decay. Lack of saliva in the mouth causes sores and infections.
Gum diseases
It is one of the mouth diseases associated with diabetes. Mostly, it inflames the gums, thus leading to tooth loss. If untreated, gum diseases advance to gingivitis and then periodontitis. Gingivitis is the first stage of gum disease; it develops when plaque and tartar build up around the gum tissues, causing the gum to swell and bleed easily. Periodontitis is the final stage of gum disease; the bacteria in your mouth start to break down the tissues that hold your gums. If left untreated, it may lead to the loss of your teeth.
Infection
Fungal infection is common in people with diabetes. Thrust causes red or white patches in the mouth or cheeks of patients with diabetes. If you wear dentures on your teeth, you are likely to be infected by thrust, for it thrives well in mouth spot areas like loose-fitting dentures.
Medications
Certain medications used to treat diabetes may affect your oral health conditions. The drugs used may lead to dry mouth by reducing saliva production. Visiting the dentist will be of help if you have diabetes. Contact us today!
It is common for the elderly to experience oral health problems brought about by other diseases such as diabetes. Diabetes causes many oral problems, such as infected gums and bones holding your teeth or cavities. This is because when you have diabetes, the gum reduces blood supply.