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Shelley Shearer: Rise in diabetes cases is affecting Kentuckian’s oral health; check symptoms, have plan


Did you know that diabetes can severely affect your smile? Over 13 percent of Kentuckians have been diagnosed with the disease, making the Commonwealth the fifth highest U.S. state population dealing with the ever-growing disease.

While diabetes can affect the heart, nerves, kidney, and eyes, it can also wreak havoc in the mouth. Diabetics are at a higher risk for gum problems because of poor blood sugar control.

When this happens, the mouth is more susceptible to infections and less able to ward off the bacteria trying to invade the gums. Fortunately, dentists are trained to look for symptoms before gum disease or other complications take over that could lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss. Do any of these symptoms seem familiar?

 Slow healing of cold sores or cuts in the mouth. This can lead to inflamed gums and pronounced cases of Gingivitis.

 Bleeding when brushing or flossing. If the bleeding becomes severe, the bone that supports the teeth can break down, leading to tooth loss and gum disease. Reverse this problem by drinking as much water as you can.

Dr. Shelley Shearer

 An extra dry mouth. People with diabetes have less saliva, a key oral ingredient to help wash away leftover food that can lead to cavities. Again, drinking water, brushing teeth and flossing are imperative in order to retain saliva and thus stave off cavities and the unfortunate possibility of tooth loss.

 A change in taste. Diabetes tends to transform taste buds into a bland state. Adding a little spice to food may help, but don’t turn to sugar to resuscitate the taste buds. Diabetics must be mindful of their blood sugar levels.

 Infections. Since diabetes affects the immune system, patients are more vulnerable to a common yeast infection called Thrush or Candidiasis. Yeast thrives on higher amounts of sugar in saliva. The condition is most common in people who wear dentures. Be sure to visit the dentist if you develop an unusually bad taste in the mouth.

Partner With Your Dentist on a Diabetes Oral Health Action Plan

Once you know the symptoms, regular visits to the dentist are critical. Together you can create a plan to slow the progression of diabetes and strive to retain a healthy smile.

Your plan should include:

 Regular check ups

 Eliminating smoking

 Avoiding acidic drinks like soda, energy drinks and water with lemon

 Brushing twice a day with a soft brush and flossing at least once daily

 Gently brushing your tongue for a few seconds to eliminate bacteria

 Cleaning dentures daily

 Using diabetes medications as directed by your physician who will also want you to increase your daily exercise and tweak your diet with healthier food options

 Controlling your blood sugar level in order to fight bacterial or fungal infections of the mouth

Since one in five cases of tooth loss is associated with diabetes, the oral aspects of the disease must be taken seriously. Don’t be a toothless statistic. If you or a loved one has diabetes, be sure to create an oral health plan as soon as possible.

Dr. Shelley Shearer is a graduate of the University of Louisville Dental School and Founder of Shearer Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Florence, the largest all-female dental practice in Northern Kentucky


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