Khaberni - Recent studies have shown a strong and direct relationship between diabetes and oral health, as patients often face oral issues including dry mouth, gum pain, and difficulty chewing, which deprive them from enjoying food and negatively affect their nutrition and quality of life. Despite traditional medical focus on diabetes complications related to the heart, kidneys, and eyes, oral health remains largely neglected, as explained by Eileen Paisan, Professor of Dental Caries at Queen Mary University in London.
Paisan points out in an article published on "Science Alert" that chronic high blood sugar weakens blood vessels and nerves, slows wound healing, and reduces the body's ability to fight infections, making the mouth a breeding ground for multiple problems. These issues include severe dental decay, gum diseases that may lead to bone and tooth loss, and various oral infections, alongside dry mouth and difficulty using dentures.
Studies indicate that the relationship between oral health and diabetes is mutual; diabetes increases the risk of gum disease because the high-sugar saliva feeds harmful bacteria, while severe gum infections complicate controlling blood sugar levels, creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to break.
Dry mouth is one of the most significant issues that diabetic patients face, whether due to the disease itself or as a result of certain medications. The lack of saliva, which acts as a natural cleaner and neutralizer of acids, increases mouth acidity and accelerates tooth decay and infection.
Paisan emphasizes that managing oral health in diabetic patients relies on two main pillars: good control of blood sugar levels, and adherence to proactive and intensive oral care. This care includes regular and precise cleaning, using fluoride-containing products, and undergoing regular dental check-ups where the dentist may recommend additional preventive treatments.
For denture wearers, daily care of their dentures, removing them at night, and cleaning the gums are essential steps to avoid infections and improve comfort. Regarding dental implants, they are a viable option for those with diabetes provided that an optimal level of disease control is achieved to minimize inflammation risks and slow wound healing.
Paisan concludes by saying that caring for oral health is not a secondary element in the life of a diabetic patient, but a fundamental part of disease management, due to its direct role in improving nutritional ability, achieving better blood sugar stability, and enhancing self-confidence and quality of life.
