Type 2 diabetes: Does your mouth and teeth look like this? Warning signs of high blood sug

This Morning: Type 2 diabetes can be 'devastating' says expert

Your mouth is a thriving ecosystem. Bacteria and other organisms come in when you eat, drink, and breathe. Most of the time, a delicate balance is maintained in your oral ecosystem, but problems can arise when certain strains of bacteria become overabundant as in the case with type 2 diabetes.

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Glucose is present in your saliva—the fluid in your mouth that makes it wet, said the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney disease.

The site continued: “When diabetes is not controlled, high glucose levels in your saliva help harmful bacteria grow.

“These bacteria combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque.

“Plaque also comes from eating foods that contain sugars or starches.

“Some types of plaque cause tooth decay or cavities. Other types of plaque cause gum disease and bad breath.”

Plaque carries bacteria that can damage tooth enamel and lead to cavities.

But if you remove plaque regularly, you can prevent permanent tooth decay and gum disease.

Bigger problems arise, however, if plaque stays on your teeth and hardens into tartar. 

Tartar, also called calculus, forms below and above the gum line.

If diabetes is left untreated, it can take a toll on your mouth as well, said Mouth Healthy.

The health site listed conditions in the mouth which could arise from untreated type 2 diabetes which include:

You may have less saliva, causing your mouth to feel dry.

Because saliva protects your teeth, you’re also at a higher risk of cavities.

Gums may become inflamed and bleed often.

You may have problems tasting food.

You may experience delayed wound healing.

You may be susceptible to infections inside of your mouth.

For children with diabetes, teeth may erupt at an age earlier than is typical

Symptoms to watch for

• You should call your dentist if you:
• Have bleeding or sore gums
• Get infections often
• Have bad breath that won’t go away

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Most of the time, plaque is colourless or pale yellow.

A dentist can spot plaque on your teeth using a small mirror during an oral examination.

A person can remove plaque by brushing and flossing their teeth regularly with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Studies have shown that using a toothpaste containing baking soda is a good way to get rid of plaque.

Plaque that has hardened into tartar will have to be removed by a dental professional.

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