Diabetes is a systemic disease that can affect all organs, and the mouth is no exception. The most common oral diseases among diabetic patients include alveolar bone osteoporosis, periodontal infections, loose teeth, root caries, thrush, and facial boils. How should diabetic patients deal with these oral diseases?
Alveolar Bone Osteoporosis: A common complication of diabetes, especially type 2 diabetes, is systemic bone loss, which can locally affect the alveolar bone. Symptoms typically include loose teeth, difficulty in biting, exposed tooth roots, and gum recession. This condition requires treatment from both internal medicine and dentistry. Under the guidance of a doctor, calcium and phosphorus supplements can be taken, dental tartar and plaque removed, and patients should avoid eating overly hard foods.
Periodontal Infections: Statistics show that diabetic patients are 2-3 times more likely to develop periodontal infections compared to non-diabetic individuals. Symptoms include gum bleeding and swelling, bad breath, and pain or tenderness in some or all teeth. Treatment for these patients must first involve comprehensive diabetes management. For patients with high blood sugar metabolic disorders, complex periodontal treatments should be avoided as they may easily lead to infections such as periodontal abscesses, which require emergency care. Antibiotics should be administered first, and insulin treatment given if necessary. Once diabetes is under control or under the guidance of an internal medicine doctor, complex periodontal treatments can proceed.
Loose Teeth: Due to chronic destructive lesions like gingivitis and periodontitis often accompanying diabetes, the stability of the teeth is affected, causing loose teeth, displacement, or malocclusion. This can further trigger periodontal infections. Early treatment and comprehensive therapy are recommended to preserve the teeth. Loose teeth can be fixed with splints, and orthodontic repositioning performed. Teeth should not be extracted casually.
Root Caries: Symptoms include gum recession and multiple simultaneous cavities. If this symptom occurs, timely dental consultation should be sought once blood sugar levels are controlled. Untimely treatment could lead to pulpitis and periodontitis, increasing treatment complexity.
Oral Mucosal Candidiasis (Thrush): Clinically, this presents as white or grayish-white pseudomembranes on the cheeks, tongue, and palate, surrounded by a narrow red halo with clear boundaries. Removing the pseudomembrane reveals a red ulcerated surface with pain and stomatitis symptoms. Immediate treatment with antifungal agents like nystatin solution is advised.
Jawline Boils: Diabetic patients experience metabolic disturbances and reduced immune function, making them prone to infections of hair follicles and sebaceous glands on the jawline, leading to boils. Boils in the "danger triangle" area around the nose and lips are particularly dangerous as they can cause systemic complications. Regardless of whether one has diabetes, it is crucial not to scratch, squeeze, or apply heat. Active anti-infection treatment is required. Simultaneously, diabetic patients should actively manage their blood sugar levels.
Diabetes and oral diseases have a causal relationship. Many diabetic patients suffer from varying degrees of gingivitis and periodontitis. The mouth contains hundreds of bacteria, some of which produce toxins. These toxins entering the bloodstream prevent insulin receptors from binding with insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Therefore, besides treating and managing diabetes, diabetic patients should also maintain good oral hygiene habits, visit specialized periodontal clinics regularly for local anti-inflammatory treatments, and undergo oral health check-ups every three months to six months.
(Responsible Editor: Zhang Lanfei)