Why Regular Visiting Your Walk-In Dentist is Important if You Have Low Blood Sugar
Although proper dental hygiene is important for everyone, those who have poor blood glucose (or blood sugar) levels need to be extra vigilant about taking care of their teeth. Poor blood sugar levels are associated with decreased saliva production, which can lead to several painful tooth and mouth problems. If you have low blood sugar or trouble maintaining your blood sugar, make sure to floss and brush your teeth frequently, and visit your walk-in dentist regularly to maintain proper dental hygiene.
Blood Glucose & Saliva Production
Since poorly-managed blood glucose levels reduce saliva production and increase the levels of salivary sugar, there won’t be enough saliva to protect patients’ mouths and teeth, especially from cavities. Patients with this problem often experience dry mouth and painful burning sensations on their tongue, along with the following symptoms:
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- Increased tooth decay,
- Tooth loss,
- Ulcers,
- Fungal infections—such as thrush, causing painful white patches—and,
- Trouble wearing dentures.
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Other Serious Dental Problems
Along with affecting saliva production, poorly-managed blood glucose levels can affect your gums, bone tissue, and dental nerves. You may experience:
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- Severe gum disease at a younger age;
- Severe toothaches due to poor blood circulation to your teeth;
- Mouth infections affecting the gums and bone tissue—due to the thickening of small blood vessels in the gums; and,
- Periodontal disease—a form of gum disease that also affects bone tissue, making for painful chewing and risk of tooth loss.
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Periodontal disease is especially harmful to diabetics because this infection leads to bacteria-produced toxins affecting the carbohydrate metabolism of cells. In response to these toxins, the body will increase insulin resistance, resulting in higher blood glucose levels. In turn, this infection makes it even more difficult to manage blood glucose levels.
If you have poorly-managed blood glucose levels, inform your dentist about your health, and book regular checkups to prevent painful dental infections. Along with regular dental checkups, do your best to manage your blood glucose levels. Additionally, take extra care of your teeth with regular brushing and flossing.
Good dental hygiene can offset the prevalence of these tooth and mouth infections that are so common amongst those suffering from diabetes and poor blood sugar levels. If you ever start to feel pain anywhere in your mouth, visit your walk-in dentist as soon as possible to stop the pain and treat the infection promptly.
