What oral health problems can be associated with diabetes?
• Tooth decay. Periodontal (gum) disease. • Salivary gland dysfunction. • Fungal infections. • Lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease). • Infection and delayed healing. • Taste impairment. Is there a connection between diabetes and tooth decay? When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva results and help bacteria thrive, bacteria produce acids. Over a period of time, these acids destroy tooth enamel resulting in tooth decay. Is there a connection between diabetes and periodontal (gum) disease? Because diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues likely to be affected. Patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than persons who have good control of their diabetes. What if I need oral surgery and I am a diabetic patient? Infection is a risk for the diabetic patient and can make it more difficult to cont
