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| Diabetes Mouth Problems |  People with diabetes have to pay even more attention to their teeth and gums than other people.
Diabetics are at greater risk of cavities, gum disease and tooth infections. Not only that, but those infections can cause our blood sugar to rise, so it becomes a vicious cycle.
The most common mouth problems in diabetics are the following:
Plaque
As you know plaque is a problem for many people, not just people with diabetes. But it's caused by starches and sugars, and of course we have more than our share of those. Therefore, diabetics are highly prone to plaque.
Dry Mouth
Sometimes diabetic’s mouth is so dry in the morning he or she can hardly speak. Dry mouth is not just inconvenient; it is also dangerous to the health of your mouths. You see, saliva washes away many of the bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth cuts the amount of saliva available for this work, so the result is more cavities and gum disease. Dry mouth sometimes also creates inflammation of the soft tissue in the mouth, making eating difficult and unpleasant.
Nowadays there are many of artificial saliva substitutes, which your dentist can tell you about. Besides, you can usually stimulate your own saliva by sucking on a sugar-free hard candy. And of course, drinking water helps.
Fungal Infections
Not only do the diabetics have less saliva than they need, but the saliva they do have is high in sugar content, so it is double trouble for them. This can lead to a fungal infection called candiasis, commonly known as thrush. It produces sore red or white spots in the mouth. Drugs can help though, so consult your dentist.
Diabetics must pay great attention to oral hygiene. They have to brush their teeth twice a day, and floss daily. People with diabetes have to examine their gums for signs of problems – and always visit their dentist at least twice a year.
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