SWEET SMILE

he dentist can help detect and prevent various diseases, including diabetes, according to data from the International Diabetes Federation, reaches about 11 million Brazilians. In the world are 250 million people and that number is expected to reach 380 million in 2025. See how the dentist can diagnose this disease

First of all, it is essential to know what is diabetes. It is a metabolic disorder that raises blood glucose levels in the blood due to absence, disability and / or resistance to the action of insulin produced by the pancreas. The carriers can not properly metabolize glucose in the blood is in power, since insulin (responsible for this transformation) is not produced correctly. To be an idea, blood sugar (blood glucose) of considered normal fasting is 100 mg / dl and when it is above 126 mg / dl, there is a diagnosis of diabetes. Among people with higher risk of developing diabetes are those with obesity, hypertension, high cholesterol and triglycerides, use cortisone-based drugs, which have family with the disease and sedentary.

Today, there are already several ways to control it, because even when she is decompensated could lead to severe and life-threatening injuries, such as myocardial infarction, stroke, blindness, impotence, kidney disease, ulcers on the legs and even amputations members. On the other hand, when properly controlled, chronic complications can be avoided and the diabetic patient can lead a normal life quality.

As it interferes in the dentition

Although the teeth of a non-diabetic be equal to a diabetic, in the second case there is an increased predisposition to periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis) decompensation due to glucose in diabetic patients. "There is also a decrease in salivary flow that can contribute to the emergence of opportunistic infections such as candidiasis and also to an increase in dental caries index, since saliva is an important barrier against this disease," explains the dentist Flávio Luposeli (SP). Precisely because of this they need to control very well blood glucose (sugar in the blood) so that the metabolic condition does not become uncontrolled and to perfect in oral hygiene, and have follow up with a dentist more regularly than any patient.

Special attention to the gums

People with diabetes have a higher risk for advanced gum disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gum tissue. And the persistent periodontal disease leads to tooth loss, gum bleeding and other oral conditions such as recurrent opportunistic fungal and viral infections, deficiency in healing after dental surgical procedures and xerostomia. "Once installed periodontal disease, this may be considered an aggravating because the bacteria that enter the bloodstream and can affect major organs such as kidneys, heart and lung risk of bacterial endocarditis," says Adriano Moraes (RJ).

Extra care, always!

What is important to make a correct hygiene with the use of dental floss, paste and toothbrush and mouthwash that you already know. But in the case of uncontrolled diabetes is more care must also since they are more vulnerable to installation opportunistic bacteria that cause severe damage to health due to the fact your immune system is impaired. They have constant hyperglycemia which generates an immunodeficiency which lead to the emergence of infections. "Precisely because of this, the most important is to control the level of glucose in the blood. Then, take good care of your teeth and gums and make detailed examinations every six months. To control fungal infections, as well your diabetes control, try not to smoke and use denture, remove it and clean it daily. Adequate control of blood glucose also helps prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes. "Keep your dentist informed of any changes in their health and about the medications you are taking. Except in an emergency, not to undergo any dental procedure if your blood sugar is not controlled.