Don’t Underestimate Loose Teeth, It Could Be a Sign of Diabetes

Loose teeth are not only caused by collisions or poor dental hygiene, this condition can also be a sign health problems. Some people associate this with diabetes. Is this assumption true?

Is it true that loose teeth are a sign of diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition of the body that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin optimally. The hormone insulin has an important role for the body, namely regulating blood sugar.

When insulin cannot work effectively, glucose becomes difficult to distribute throughout the body and accumulates in the blood. As a result, the body will experience hyperglycemia or increased blood sugar.

In the long term, hyperglycemia can cause many serious problems in the body, one of which is a problem in the mouth area.

Research conducted by University of Pennsylvania in 2017 revealed that diabetes conditions can affect the number of microorganisms in the mouth.

High blood sugar will cause the sugar in saliva to also be higher. The bacteria present in the plaque on the teeth use sugar as a food ingredient.

These bacteria can cause cavities, decayed teeth, and gum disease. When food for bacteria more and more, the growth is also faster.

Bacteria in the mouth can cause gums to become red, bleed and swell. If not treated properly, this condition will turn into a more serious condition, namely periodontitis.

Periodontitis is a serious gum infection that destroys the soft tissues and can damage the bones that support the teeth. As a result, teeth become loose and can end with loose teeth.

The increase in blood sugar has symptoms that are sometimes not realized. Therefore, it is important to check blood sugar regularly.

In addition, diligently maintaining oral health is also an important step to prevent loose teeth.

Also Read: 7 Types of Exercise that Can Prevent Diabetes

Tips for Caring for Diabetic Dental Health

Diabetes and dental health have a close relationship. Teeth that fall out certainly can’t grow back. Therefore, maintaining healthy teeth and mouth is an important step to take.

Here are some strategies that can be done to maintain healthy teeth, including:

1. Maintain Blood Sugar Levels within the Normal Range

Diabetics must have realized that maintaining blood sugar levels is very important. Fluctuations in blood sugar have a detrimental effect on the mouth area.

Keeping blood sugar within normal limits can reduce the risk of sore gums, periodontitis and other mouth problems.

2. Undergo a Healthy Diet

Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables can improve oral health. In addition, consuming lots of fruits and vegetables can also help accelerate healing in patients undergoing periodontal therapy.

Fruits and vegetables contain nutrients and antioxidants that help fight periodontitis.

Apart from that, you also need to drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. This step can help you avoid dry mouth as a side effect of taking diabetes medications. This step can prevent the growth of unwanted bacteria.

3. Keeping the Mouth Area Clean

If you have diabetes, it is important to maintain oral health. You need to brush your teeth twice a day flossing every day, and brushing the tongue regularly.

If you bleed when brushing your teeth or flossing, this is an indication of inflammation. Therefore, you need to consult a doctor as soon as possible to treat this inflammation as early as possible.

In addition, you need to make regular visits to the dentist every 6 months even if you don’t feel any symptoms. This step can help prevent dental and oral problems.

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