DIABETES is a serious health condition which causes a person's blood sugar levels to be too high.
While some of the main signs are thirst and weight loss, one expert has said you can also spot the illness in your mouth.
Speaking to The Sun, dentist and clinical director at Bupa Dental Care, Dr Sarah Ramage, said the increase in Brits with diabetes poses a significant challenge for health services.
"The dental team can play a vital role here too, as they can spot signs and symptoms of diabetes during a patient’s check-up and after dental procedures."
Dr Ramage said that those with the condition are at a higher risk of gum disease and for these patients, it can be much more severe.
The condition can often go undetected and can be hard to spot, as signs can be brushed off as something else.
Read more on diabetes
Warning as thousands at risk of silent killers amid NHS diabetes delays
Follow these tasty recipes to shed pounds & beat type 2 diabetes for good
Already some 4.9 million people in the UK are estimated to have diabetes, of which there are various forms.
Peeing more than usual is a key sign, as is feeling tired and losing weight without trying.
But there are signs in your mouth to watch out for.
These include:
- bleeding gums when brushing
- swollen gums
- red gums
- receding gums
- lose teeth
- bad breath
- wounds that take longer than usual to heal.
Most read in Health
MAN DOWN 
I threw my penis in the bin after it fell off – it drove me to 18 pints a day
From sex to lighting CANDLES – 9 ways to lose weight with little effort
I thought I had ‘extreme ear ache’ and a sore throat – the reality was worse
New Covid variant could be to blame for kids’ hepatitis outbreak, experts warn
Dr Ramage explained that patients are more likely to have gum disease if their diabetes is poorly controlled.
"Gum disease is often painless in the early stages, however, so if you are diabetic, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly so they can catch any problems at an early stage.”
“Diabetes can prevent the body from healing itself properly and is associated with an increased risk of infection.
"If a patient failed to heal properly after having a dental procedure or had an infection that was more severe than would normally be expected, this would be something a dentist would need to be investigate further", she said.
The best ways to look after your oral health
Dr Ramage said that there are some things you can do to help keep your oral health in good shape – especially if you’re diabetic.
- Manage your blood sugar – good blood sugar control will help your body fight any bacterial or fungal infections in your mouth and help relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.
- Avoid smoking – smoking weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight gum infection
- Brush up – make sure to brush your teeth twice a day, including any dentures, with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Visit your dentist – Visit your dentist and hygienist for regular checkups. They will also be able to provide you with information about the effects that diabetes may have on your oral health.
People with type 2 diabetes in particular, Dr Ramage says, are three times more likely to have problems with their oral health than those who don't have the condition.
"Typical dental problems linked to diabetes include tooth decay, gum disease, dry mouth, oral thrush and tooth loss.
"Diabetics produce less saliva, which acts to prevent attacks on tooth enamel, and the saliva may contain higher levels of sugar – increasing risk of tooth decay", she said.
When it comes to what diabetics need to do to help their oral health, the expert said it's best to follow a healthy, balanced diet which is low in sugar, and avoid foods which are high in fat, salt and sugar such as biscuits, crisps, chocolates and sugary drinks.
Read More on The Sun
I got the dreaded SSSS on my boarding pass – here is what happened
I was upskirted by celeb at house party, reveals Countdown’s Rachel Riley
She highlighted that while a doctor will be a diabetics first port of call for any issues – dentists should also be well-informed about a patient's condition.
"A combination of self-care and professional care from a dentist will be beneficial in maintaining a healthy smile, as well as potentially slowing the progression of diabetes", she added.
We pay for your stories!
Do you have a story for The Sun news desk?
Email us at [email protected]co.uk or call 0207 782 4104. You can WhatsApp us on 07423 720 250. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours
Click here to get The Sun newspaper delivered for FREE for the next six weeks.
Source: Read Full Article