Diabetes is a serious systemic illness that has many ramifications for the health of your mouth. Diabetics are at an increased risk for tooth loss, and that means they may end up with dentures at a younger age. And, unfortunately, diabetes can cause some denture problems, making an investment in quality dentures a very good idea.
How Diabetes Affects Your Mouth
Many diabetics also experience dry mouth because they produce less saliva. Saliva is about more than keeping your mouth from drying out, it’s your body’s first defense against the bacteria that colonize your teeth and gums. Without antibacterial saliva, bacteria can develop more easily in your mouth.
Diabetes and Denture Complications
Diabetes leads to an increased gum disease risk in a number of ways. Diabetes causes problems for the peripheral circulatory system, which means that your gums will have less of a nutrient supply to fight off infections. And it isn’t just your gums, either, your teeth and bones will have reduced blood supply, making them vulnerable as well.
Although these effects on your oral health are important when you have teeth, they can also lead to denture complications. Gums that are vulnerable to bacterial infection are also vulnerable to damage from poor-fitting economy dentures. This can lead to gum recession, and, in some cases, may even lead to exposed bone under dentures.
And the same factors that made your mouth vulnerable to bacterial infection now make your mouth vulnerable to fungal infection, such as denture stomatitis or cheilitis. Denture stomatitis is about twice as common among diabetics as in the general population.
Another problem you may face is accelerated bone resorption because of diabetes. Because your jawbone may have poor blood supply, it can be more likely to shrink when it lacks stimulation by natural teeth.
Protect Yourself from Complications
The good news is that you have the power to reduce these possible complications. Controlling your blood sugar is one of the best things you can do. In many cases, if your blood sugar is controlled, your risk is the same as nondiabetics.
Invest in properly fitting dentures. It’s not worth the small amount of savings you might get to set yourself up for denture sores that can lead to receding gums, and even faster bone resorption. Make sure to get dentures relined or replaced when you notice they aren’t fitting properly.
Make sure your dentures are properly cleaned every night , and don’t sleep with them in. Poor denture care is another way you can set yourself up for trouble.
See your dentist regularly and make sure you’re monitoring your own oral health closely. Don’t ignore symptoms of gum disease and other infections, such as redness, soreness, and bad breath.
If you follow these guidelines, you can enjoy the benefits of dentures without increased risk. To learn more about being a happy, healthy denture wearer, please call (803) 781-9090 for an appointment with a Columbia, SC denture dentist at Smile Columbia Dentistry today.
