TEETH

Impact of poor oral hygiene on blood sugar levels

Good oral hygiene should be a priority for people with diabetes. When blood sugar levels are not stable, bacteria in the mouth can also become unbalanced. Gum and tooth damage or periodontitis is one of the complications of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes. If left untreated, this condition can lead to kidney disease and ischemic heart disease in diabetics. The risk of mortality is thus multiplied by 3. These are all reasons why poor oral hygiene is said to be harmful to health.

How to recognise inadequate oral hygiene

Germs and bacteria of all kinds develop in the mouth. They can affect the gums and teeth even if teeth are brushed regularly. Various signs can indicate poor oral hygiene.

Otherwise, white stains may appear on the teeth. When the teeth are sensitive to cold and heat, there is also cause for concern. These are all signs that the inside of your mouth is in poor condition.

The health effects of poor oral hygiene

Failure to take care of your teeth can lead to the development of dental caries or other pathologies related to your mouth and teeth. These pathologies can be:

It is important to know that serious health concerns can arise if a tooth or mouth condition is not treated. This is because bacteria can enter the bloodstream when they are not treated properly. They are the cause of cardiovascular diseases such as AHV, heart attack or heart disease. Breathing problems can occur if these same bacteria migrate to the lungs. The patient is at risk of developing arthrosis or arthritis, tendonitis and neck pain. The child may have behavioural or sleep problems if he or she has poor oral hygiene.

An infection in the mouth, when not properly treated, can affect the cells or tissues around it. It is often the cause of the various ENT disorders that occur.

What is the link between periodontitis and diabetes?

Periodontitis is a severe infection that affects the gums and can even lead to the destruction of the jaw. It is due to poor oral hygiene. Periodontitis and diabetes are related to each other in both directions. Both diseases interact with each other and affect the immune system. The risk factors for both diseases are:

Periodontitis causes inflammations that lead to an imbalance in the rate of diabetes. When the patient brushes his teeth, they bleed. The bacteria not only infect the gums, but also migrate into the bloodstream. This leads to a change in the blood sugar level. Diabetes causes a reduction in the amount of saliva that protects the gums from bacteria. When the bacteria proliferate, the patient is weakened. This is why these two pathologies are said to be interrelated. In any case, poor oral hygiene is harmful to health and causes disorders that can be irreversible.

The main rules for good oral hygiene

The first rule is to get children used to brushing their teeth regularly. To do this, it is essential to teach them how to brush their teeth effectively. It is therefore the parents' duty to ensure that they do not have poor oral hygiene. The risk of dental caries is high in adolescence. The best way to prevent them is by inserting a synthetic resin film in the grooves of the teeth. The toothbrush should be soft and should be changed every three months. An electric toothbrush is one option to consider. Its use reduces the risk of bleeding. It has the advantage of being able to slip into small recesses. Teeth should be brushed twice a day for two minutes. A good brushing technique involves brushing the gums and teeth at the same time, from gum to tooth. If necessary, dental floss or a water jet can be used. The aim is to keep the inside of the mouth clean. A visit to the doctor at least once a year is compulsory.