Diabetic Complications Are Quite Common—Particularly Dental And Eye Health!
Research shows that each year, approximately 1.7 million cases are diagnosed with diabetes and 8.1 million people don’t even know that the ‘silent killer’ is impacting their health. If you are a diabetic not keeping a check on your sugar levels, you are at a huge risk of developing multiple diseases even dental issues. But, can dental problems be deadly? Does oral health ailments put you at a greater risk of eye problems? Or is it all just a myth?
Does Diabetes Cause Dental Health Problems?
Yes, definitely. As per research, people with diabetes are at a greater risk of teeth with mobility, and other periodontal diseases. Rather, if you don’t brush or floss regularly, you are putting your health in danger.
Whether you are a type 1 diabetic patient or type 2, in both cases, your blood sugar levels are high. This can results in severe complications especially related to your heart, eyes, kidneys, nerves, and other organ systems of your body.
Due to improper blood supply to the gums and a lack of white blood cell count to fight the infections, oral infections are common.
Uncontrolled diabetes can weaken your white blood cells preventing bacterial infection in the mouth. However, as per studies, you can reduce the chances of such complications by keeping your blood sugar levels under control.
Symptoms of Dental Problem To Look For
In case you see the signs of any of the following dental issues, immediately consult the doctor
- Bleeding or sore gums
- Regular tooth infections
- Loose tooth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away.
Can You Go Blind From A Tooth Infection?
Are tooth infections and eye problems interlinked? Well, it’s doubtful that you can go blind with a simple tooth infection.
However, according to the research by an American Academy of Ophthalmology, tooth infection might trigger some events where bacteria spread to your optic nerve from inflamed gums or teeth.
Another study that was recently published in the Journal of Glaucoma stated that tooth infections are somehow associated with glaucoma — a condition that can severely affect your optic nerve. This makes it imperative for you to take care of your oral health. However, even if you not suffering from dental problem, you still have a risk of eye diseases.
Because due to high blood sugar levels, which damages small blood vessels, there can be a restricted blood flow to eye leading to loss of vision.
Tips for Maintaining Your Oral Health
Poor oral hygiene can lead to several gum diseases. Following are some tips you need to follow for mainlining your oral health:
- Floss and brush regularly
- Drink fluoridated water
- Avoid taking tobacco products
- Quit smoking
- Treat your gum disease before it gets worse
- If your dental procedure needs sedation, be sure to inform your dentist that you are suffering from glaucoma
- Avoid taking sedatives that can interact with your optic nerve
- Avoid carbonated drinks and sugary snacks
Final Verdict
All in all, you are at higher risk of getting oral health problems if you are a diabetic patient.
Although maintaining a diabetic’s dental health is quite challenging, it requires proper tooth care. Therefore, you need to follow all those preventive measures which have a positive correlation with better periodontal health such as flossing, brushing, considering fluoride treatments, avoiding frequent meals, and regular periodic dental visits.
Before every dental checkup, be sure to let your dentist know that you are a diabetic patient. Particularly, if you are going to opt for a dental procedure in future.
