Letting diabetes go unnoticed and untreated can be very harmful to your health. General symptoms such as fatigue, headaches, and dizziness are commonly known, but there are also other symptoms that can give you signs.
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Dry mouth
If your mouth is constantly dry no matter how much water you are drinking or how much you clean your teeth, it may be a sign of diabetes. The dryness is caused by an excess of glucose in the body. More water is needed to process the sugar through your body, which makes you more dehydrated.
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Periodontitis
Rates of gingivitis/periodontitis are very high among people with diabetes. It has also been studied that periodontitis and diabetes together make both diseases progress more quickly than if you only had one or the other.
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Inflamed gums
If your gums are puffy and bleed easily, it may be a sign that you have diabetes. Be gentle when brushing your teeth and make an appointment with your dentist to rule out anything else.
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Odd or lack of taste
If you notice that food doesn’t taste quite right or everything is lacking in flavor, it may be a sign of diabetes. Diabetes can cause you to taste food differently than someone who is non-diabetic.
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Bacterial Infections
(which leads to bad breath) If you can’t get rid of your bad breath even when you brush your teeth, gargle and floss, you may have a fungal or bacterial infection in your mouth. Although diabetes doesn’t cause these infections, they are more prevalent in people who are diabetic.
If you have any of these issues, visit your dentist right away. The faster you seek treatment, the less damage will have to be undone. Dr. Lorraine Burio of Candlewood Dental Care has been treating and educating patients for over twenty-five years. Our office serves the New Fairfield, New Milford, Danbury, and Sherman areas of CT and Pawling, Patterson and Putnam Lake of New York. You can call us at 203-746-1200.