Poorly controlled diabetes can cause dry mouth, which can be a diagnostic clue for undiagnosed diabetes. Dry mouth can lead to complications, so preventative measures and special oral care are recommended. Patients should visit their doctor and dentist for treatment options.
Dry mouth and diabetes may be linked, as poorly controlled diabetes is a potential cause of dry mouth. Also, having a dry mouth can be a diagnostic clue for a patient with undiagnosed diabetes when it is associated with excessive thirst and frequent urination. Understanding the connection between dry mouth and diabetes is important for diabetic patients, as there are some preventative measures available. Having a dry mouth isn’t just uncomfortable; it can also be associated with complications, which makes treatment very important.
In patients with undiagnosed diabetes, several things can contribute to dry mouth. One is high blood sugar, which is known to lead to drying of the mucous membranes. Lack of hydration can also be a contributor, as the body cannot produce saliva without sufficient hydration. Patients with poorly controlled diabetes may also experience hyperglycemia and poor hydration, as well as diabetic neuropathy, another potential cause of dry mouth. Neuropathy can impair salivary gland function, leading to dry mouth in the patient.
For a patient with dry mouth and diabetes, a visit to the doctor is recommended. Dry mouth indicates that something is not being addressed with your current diabetes treatment. Your doctor may be able to change your treatment plan to fix the problem and make you more comfortable. Dryness can also be a sign of an emerging diabetic complication such as neuropathy, in which case early identification is critical to providing the best treatment options.
Special oral care may be needed to help a patient with dry mouth and diabetes. Since saliva plays an important role in oral hygiene and digestion, patients must find a way to compensate for the reduced saliva production. Regular oral hygiene is recommended to keep the mouth healthy and clean. Patients may also benefit from chewing sugarless gum to stimulate saliva production and keep the mouth lubricated and comfortable.
Patients with dry mouth and diabetes should also talk to their dentists. A dentist may have tips for dealing with dry mouth and will take extra care during cleanings and checkups to look for evidence of oral lesions and other problems. Your dentist also wants to avoid tearing or otherwise damaging the membranes in your mouth, as they can be more brittle when dry, as well as take longer to heal. Oral surgeons may also be involved in patient care, as surgical treatment options sometimes exist to restore lubrication to the mouth.
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