What is the connection between dry mouth and diabetes?

 

Dry mouth, or xerostomia, occurs when a person’s salivary glands do not produce enough saliva to keep the mouth moist. Xerostomia can be a symptom of diabetes and, also a side effect of the medication that treats diabetes.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), dry mouth is a common symptom of diabetes.

In this article, we look at the symptoms of dry mouth and its link with diabetes. We also explain how a person can treat dry mouth.

What are the symptoms of dry mouth?

Dry mouth occurs when there is not enough saliva in the mouth.

According to the NIDDK, people with dry mouth may experience:

• a frequent dry feeling in the mouth
• mouth pain
• a rough, dry tongue
• difficulty eating, talking, chewing, or swallowing.
• sores or infections in the mouth

In addition, the American Dental Association (ADA) note that dry mouth may involve:

• a sore throat
• nasal dryness
• hoarseness

What is the connection between dry mouth and diabetes?

The NIDDK list dry mouth among the most common problems that people living with diabetes experience.

Its high prevalence in this population may be due to:

• Dehydration: People with diabetes are prone to dehydration.
• Increased blood sugar levels: In those with diabetes, a person’s blood glucose levels can become too high. The term for this is hyperglycemia, and it can cause a person to experience dry mouth.
• Kidney conditions: Over time, high blood glucose can lead to kidney disease, which can cause dry mouth.
• Diabetes medication: Some medications that a person can take to help control diabetes can cause dry mouth as a side effect.

Also, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, approximately two-thirds of those with diabetes have high blood pressure or use medications to help control hypertension. Dry mouth can occur as a side effect of these medications.

 

 

Is dry mouth a symptom of diabetes?

According to a 2014 review, dry mouth can be a warning sign of diabetes. However, although it is common in those with diabetes, it is not the only symptom.

A person may potentially experience several symptoms due to diabetes, including:

• blurry vision
• fatigue
• increased thirst
• more frequent urination
• increased hunger
• unexplained weight loss
• tingling or numbness in the extremities, such as the hands or feet
• sores that do not heal

Although both type 1 and type 2 diabetes have similar symptoms, the NIDDK state that they do not develop in the same way.

They note that while people who develop type 1 diabetes usually experience a fast onset of symptoms, people living with type 2 diabetes tend to see a gradual onset of symptoms, which they may not notice until another complication develops, such as blurred vision.

 

Treatment 

People who experience dry mouth because of medication can ask a doctor about the possibility of switching medications. Managing any underlying conditions — for example, keeping blood sugar levels within a safe range to control diabetes — may also help.

Healthcare professionals can also prescribe medications to stimulate saliva production. These include pilocarpine (Isopto Carpine), which has a typical dosage of 5 milligrams (mg) three times a day, and cevimeline (Evoxac), which has a typical dosage of 30 mg three times a day.

A person will need to take these medications for 3 months to ensure that they are working.

A person can also try saliva substitutes that come in the form of gels, sprays, and lozenges. However, the authors of a 2020 article note that these do not work reliably and that when they do, they only provide temporary relief.

Home remedies

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research recommend that a person take the following steps to minimize the symptoms of dry mouth:

• avoiding spicy or salty foods because they can aggravate the issue.
• sipping water slowly throughout the day
• chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy to help stimulate saliva production.
• sipping water or other sugar-free drinks during meals to aid swallowing.
• refraining from alcohol or tobacco use.
• using a humidifier when sleeping.
• avoiding caffeinated beverages.

 

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MORNING BREATH

Morning breath is the term that people commonly use to describe breath that smells bad when a person wakes up. It is a very common problem.

The Academy of General Dentistry have estimated that 80 million people in the United States experience chronic bad breath. However, there are many straightforward ways to treat morning breath.

What is morning breath?

Good oral hygiene can help prevent morning breath.

Morning breath is a type of bad breath that affects people when they wake up. The medical term for bad breath is halitosis, which describes chronic bad breath that does not go away.

Causes of morning breath

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), morning breath occurs due to a buildup of bacteria in the mouth overnight.

Food particles

During the night, the enzymes in saliva will break down food particles remaining in between teeth, on the tongue, or around the gumline. This breakdown releases volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), which give off a bad smell.

The specific foods that a person eats can also influence how their breath smells. The list of foods that can cause bad breath is very long and includes:

       garlic

       onions

       coffee

       spices

Smoking

Smoking can also cause bad breath. A person may not be aware of the effect that smoking can have on their breath odor because smoking dampens the sense of smell.

Dry mouth

A person may experience morning breath if they have a dry mouth. Saliva helps the mouth clear out bacteria that build up over the day and night. If the mouth is not producing enough saliva, bacteria will be able to build up more often. As a result, the release of VSCs overnight may be higher, potentially causing morning breath.

One study that investigated the effect of water on morning breath found that drinking water or rinsing the mouth with water in the morning reduced VSCs by 30–50%, leading to an overall improvement in morning breath.

Breathing through the mouth can also dry it out. People who sleep with their mouth open or snore heavily may have a drier mouth and be more likely to have bad breath in the morning.

Poor oral hygiene

Poor oral hygiene is a common cause of morning breath. Proper brushing and flossing remove bacteria and food particles that cause bad breath.

If a person does not regularly and effectively clean their teeth, they could also develop tooth cavities and gum disease. Gingivitis and periodontitis are types of gum disease that can cause bad breath.

Tooth cavities resulting from bacteria that produce plaque can trap more bacteria in the mouth, as can the deep pockets that gum disease causes. A person can then find it hard to clean the bacteria away when they brush their teeth.

Underlying medical conditions that cause morning breath

The cause of morning breath can be as simple as poor dental hygiene, especially if it leads to complications. Tooth decay or a “dead tooth” can cause bad breath that may be even worse in the morning.

However, certain underlying chronic conditions that are not directly related to the mouth can sometimes be responsible for an unpleasant breath odor.

For instance, untreated diabetes can be a cause of bad breath. Some infections — such as tonsillitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis — and fungal infections of the mouth, lips, and tongue can also have an adverse effect on the breath.

In some cases, liver or kidney disease may result in bad breath.

A person will experience other symptoms alongside bad breath if an underlying condition is the cause.

Treatment and remedies

People can often improve their morning breath by doing the following:

Keeping the mouth clean

A person can treat morning breath or longer lasting halitosis by improving their dental hygiene.

Brushing the teeth twice a day and cleaning in between them with dental floss or interdental brushes can keep mouth bacteria under control. A person can also use mouthwash to help clear bacteria out of the mouth.

One study on the effectiveness of mouthwash against morning breath found that the daily use of mouthwash significantly reduced the number of bacteria in the saliva. Flossing and mouthwash can also ensure that no food remains in the mouth overnight.

A person can also use a tongue scraper as part of their brushing routine to remove bacteria from the tongue. Tongue scraping is a gentle technique, but some people may find it uncomfortable because it can trigger the gag reflex.

Anyone who wears removable dentures should take them out at night and clean them thoroughly before wearing them again the next day.

It is also important to make regular visits to the dentist to help maintain oral hygiene.

Drinking more water

A person may find that increasing their water intake and reducing how much caffeine and alcohol they consume leads to an improvement in their breath odor.

Staying well-hydrated by drinking water can increase the amount of saliva that the mouth produces, which will help keep mouth bacteria under control.

Caffeine, alcohol, and smoking can dry out the mouth. Certain types of medication can also have this effect.

When to see a dentist

Usually, there is no need to worry about waking up with morning breath.

However, if a person finds that their morning breath is not going away with conventional treatments, such as improving dental hygiene and keeping their mouth from becoming dry, they may need to seek advice from a dentist.

A person should see a dentist if:

       they have a constant bad taste or smell in their mouth

       they are experiencing other new symptoms along with bad breath

       they spit blood when they brush their teeth

Blood in the saliva after brushing the teeth can be a sign of gum disease and requires medical treatment. If the dentist finds that the odor is not due to oral factors, they may advise the person to consult a doctor.

A person may experience poor mental health and self-esteem if they are aware that they have morning breath or halitosis. They may feel constantly stressed about having bad breath, which might adversely affect their social life and relationships.

If a person is very worried about morning breath or halitosis, a psychiatrist may be able to help them overcome their anxiety around this issue.

Summary

Morning breath is very common among the general population, and it does not usually last long into the day.

A person can improve their breath odor by brushing the teeth thoroughly, using mouthwash and dental floss, and staying hydrated to stop their mouth from becoming dry.

A person should seek medical advice if their bad breath does not go away or if they are experiencing symptoms of an underlying condition that may also be causing bad breath.

        

How often should I get my teeth cleaned?

If you went to your dentist for a check-up and dental clean in the last year, give yourself a pat on the back. Not everyone loves the dentist, but research shows people who visit at least once a year for preventative care are healthier and happier with their mouths.

Why do I need to get my teeth cleaned?

While we all do what we can on our own, professional teeth cleaning removes plaque, the soft yellowish build-up, and calculus (hardened plaque) we can't get to. This soft build-up is made up of billions of different types of bacteria that live and reproduce in our mouth by feeding on the food we eat.

Most bacteria live in our bodies without causing too much trouble. But certain bacteria in dental plaque, when they grow in numbers, can lead to cavities (holes in the teeth) or gum disease.

A dental cleaning will reduce your chance of getting cavities or gum disease by significantly reducing the amount of plaque and calculus in your mouth.

So how often?

We are all different when it comes to how often we should get our teeth professionally clean. The frequency of our dental cleanings should be suggested by our dentist, who is the one that knows our mouth condition and our risk factors. Some people are at higher risk of getting dental cavities or gum disease this group should get their teeth cleaned more often.

We know certain health and lifestyle factors can affect a person's risk of developing cavities and gum disease. Here are some yes/no questions you can ask yourself to understand whether you're at a higher risk:

1.   Is your drinking water or toothpaste fluoride-free?

2.   Do you snack a lot, including on sweets?

3.   Do you avoid flossing?

4.   Do you have dry mouth?

5.   Do you brush your teeth less than twice a day?

6.   Do you visit your dentist for toothaches rather than check-ups?

7.   Do you need new fillings every time you visit the dentist?

8.   Do you have to wear an appliance in your mouth such as a removable partial denture or braces?

9.   Do you suffer from a chronic long-term health condition such as diabetes?

If you answered "yes" to more than 3 of these questions, you're likely to need to see your dentist or hygienist at least every six months, if not more often.

As well as removing the bug-loaded plaque and calculus, people prone to cavities benefit from the fluoride treatment after scaling.

Evidence shows professional fluoride treatment every six months can lead to a 30% reduced risk of developing cavities, needing fillings or having teeth removed.

Dental health is related to our overall health

Some people with chronic health issues such as heart conditions or diabetes will need to see the dentist more frequently. This is because they are more prone to inflammation and gum disease.

People taking blood thinners and other medications, such as pills and infusions for osteoporosis, may need to visit the dentist more regularly too. These medications can complicate the process of an extraction or other dental work, so regular checks and cleanings are best to help detect problems before they become serious.

People with bleeding gums should also see their dental practitioners more often. This is especially important if you have been diagnosed with advanced gum disease, known as periodontal disease.

Some people prefer to go more often to reduce the chance of a nasty toothache.

There are many benefits to regular checks and cleanings. Visiting the hygienist and dentist regularly helps reduce the chance of needing more complex and expensive dental treatment later on.

So, eat healthy, brush better (preferably with an electric toothbrush), floss more often and visit your dentist/hygienist at least twice a year.

TEETH WHITENING DO IT YOURSELF (DIY) WHAT’S BEHIND THE TREND?

WHAT DAMAGES YOUR TEETH?

Berries, curries, tomato sauce, balsamic vinegar, coffee, iced tea, red wine – these are just a few examples of foods that stain our teeth daily. Many of the foods we eat and drink stain our teeth day in and day out. Nowadays, most of us have access to information via social media, bloggers and YouTube regarding DIY teeth whitening techniques. These DIY teeth whitening trends have increased in popularity significantly, but are they really safe?

First, we’d like to emphasize that yes, the DIY teeth whitening trends work, but HOW they work is the main concern! All the DIY trends can be either very acidic and/or abrasive, both of which can remove and damage the enamel. The enamel is the most superficial and resistant layer of the tooth. As you abrade or remove the enamel with the DIY techniques, the inner surface (dentin) of the tooth becomes exposed. Removing enamel and exposing more dentin will ultimately result in a more yellow appearance of the teeth as well as increased sensitivity. Initially, your teeth will appear white but as you continue to use these techniques they will actually appear more yellow with time. Worst of all, once you lose enamel there’s no getting it back!

Let’s see what some of the most popular DIY teeth whitening trends do to your teeth.

ACTIVATED CHARCOAL

It is disastrous to your teeth due to its abrasive nature. Initially, it will remove the most superficial stains. But with continuous use, activated charcoal will remove the enamel and expose the dentin causing your teeth to appear yellow instead of white and in time, will create more sensitivity. 

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR

Apple cider vinegar is popularly used as a daily cleanse and is praised by people for aiding digestion, helping with weight loss and making hair shinier. Some even use it as a mouthwash, claiming it whitens teeth. While apple cider vinegar is really good for some things when it comes to teeth whitening it is not safe. Apple cider vinegar is very acidic, it will remove superficial stains but because of its acidity it will also remove your enamel. Its daily use or consumption can lead to extensive enamel erosion.

BAKING SODA AND LEMON JUICE

Baking soda is a relatively mild abrasive that has been rated by the ADA (American Dental Association) to be safe when combined with fluoride. When baking soda (abrasive) is mixed with lemon juice (acidic) it becomes too rough for your teeth, this combination can wear away tooth and gum tissue.

Lemon juice is highly acidic, which gives it excellent bleaching abilities. When used for teeth whitening purposes, it not only dissolves stains, but it also dissolves your enamel. So, when you use the two together you have a recipe for disaster!

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE

While many teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, that doesn’t mean you should  swish around in your mouth, especially undiluted. Used regularly, it can cause chemical irritation and damage to your gums and hard tissues.

In conclusion, we can say that using any of these DIY teeth whitening techniques will weaken and damage your tooth enamel. They can also cause swelling of the gums and burns inside the oral cavity. Loss of enamel can cause your teeth to be much more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. And like we said before, once enamel is gone, it’s gone forever.

This is one DIY remedy that should stick to DDIY (Don’t Do It Yourself)! Trust us we’re dentists!

What to do to keep your gums healthy

Practicing good oral hygiene is the most important action that a person can take to prevent and treat gum disease. Most people tend to overlook their gums when it comes to oral health and focus on getting a bright, white smile instead. However, healthy teeth require healthy gums.

Gum disease can lead to tooth loss. Fortunately, a person can take many steps to prevent and even reverse gum disease. These include:

·        brushing the teeth properly

·        choosing the right toothpaste

·        flossing daily

·        taking care when rinsing out the mouth

·        using mouthwash

·        having regular dental checkups

·        stopping smoking

This article examines how these steps can help keep the gums healthy.

7 ways to keep the gums healthy

Adopting the following habits will help a person care for their teeth and gums properly, which, in turn, will help prevent gum disease.

1. Brush the teeth properly

Brushing the teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste can help keep gums healthy.

Brushing the teeth properly is key to having a healthy mouth and gums. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommend that people follow the guidelines below:

·        Brush at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.

·        Replace the toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, or sooner if the bristles begin to fray.

·        Brush the teeth at a 45-degree angle to the gums.

·        Move the toothbrush in short strokes.

·        Press gently.

·        Clean the insides of the front teeth by turning the brush vertically and making several short strokes along each tooth.

2. Choose the right toothpaste

The toothpaste aisle in most stores will contain many varieties of toothpaste, from whitening products to formulas containing baking soda.

When choosing toothpaste, a person should ensure that it contains fluoride and has the ADA seal of approval on the packaging.

3. Floss daily

Many people neglect daily flossing, but the ADA recognize this habit as an important part of oral care.

Flossing removes food and plaque from between the teeth and gums. If the food and plaque remain in these areas, this can lead to tartar, which is a hard buildup of bacteria that only a dentist can remove. Tartar can lead to gum disease.

4. Rinse your mouth out with care

Many people rinse their mouth out after brushing their teeth. However, oral hygiene practices should complement the effectiveness of fluoride products, such as toothpaste.

When a person washes their mouth out with water after brushing their teeth with fluoride toothpaste, they wash away the fluoride.

Conversely, when a person rinses their mouth out after eating, they may rinse away food and bacteria that can lead to plaque and tartar.

5. Use mouthwash

According to the ADA, there are two types of mouthwash: therapeutic and cosmetic. Both are available over the counter.

A therapeutic mouthwash can help:

·        prevent gum disease

·        reduce the speed at which tartar builds up

·        reduce the amount of plaque on the teeth

·        remove food particles from the mouth

However, people should not use mouthwash as a replacement for brushing and flossing.

A person should look for the ADA seal. This seal indicates that the manufacturer has demonstrated enough evidence to support the product's safety and effectiveness.

The ADA state that children under the age of 6 years should not use mouthwash.

6. Get regular dental checkups

Dental checkups typically include a professional cleaning of the mouth. Professional cleaning is the only way to remove tartar from the teeth. Professional cleaning can also help eliminate the plaque that a person may have missed when brushing their teeth.

With regular visits, a dentist can help identify the early signs of gum disease and gingivitis, a condition in which the gums become inflamed. Early detection can help prevent more severe problems from occurring.

7. Stop smoking

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking makes a person more susceptible to gum disease because it weakens the immune system.

The CDC recommend quitting smoking immediately to help reduce the risk of developing gum disease. The use of other tobacco products can also increase a person's risk.