What are the risks of getting dentures with diabetes?
Introduction
Dentures are a common solution for those who have lost their natural teeth due to decay, injury, or age. They come in various types including standard acrylic, high-impact acrylic, chrome, flexible (Valplast), injection moulded, and 3D printed options. However, if you’re living with diabetes, it’s important to understand the potential risks and considerations associated with getting dentures.
How Diabetes Affects Oral Health
Diabetes can significantly impact your oral health. High blood sugar levels can cause dry mouth, gum disease, and other oral issues. Dry mouth can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay, while gum disease can cause your gums to bleed, become inflamed, or recede. For those considering dentures, these conditions can make fitting and wearing them more challenging and potentially uncomfortable.
Complications with Diabetes and Dentures
People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, and this includes oral infections. Poorly fitted dentures can cause sores and lesions, which can turn into a serious infection if not treated promptly. Furthermore, due to high glucose levels, healing can take longer for people with diabetes, prolonging discomfort and increasing the risk of complications.
Life Span of Dentures
The longevity of your dentures can also be impacted by diabetes. Standard acrylic dentures typically last 1–3 years, high-impact acrylic 3–5 years, chrome 8–12 years, and flexible dentures 3–5 years. However, for those with diabetes, the life span of dentures may be reduced due to potential damage from dry mouth and increased wear and tear from frequent adjustments or relines.
Managing the Risks
Despite these risks, many people with diabetes successfully wear dentures. The key to managing these risks is good oral hygiene, regular check-ups with your dentist, and proper denture care.
Good Oral Hygiene
Good oral hygiene is essential for everyone, but particularly so for those with diabetes. Brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and regular visits to your dentist can help prevent oral health problems.
Regular Dental Check-ups
Regular check-ups with your dentist are important to ensure your dentures fit correctly and to spot any potential problems early. If you have diabetes, these visits are even more critical. Your dentist can monitor your oral health and advise on any necessary adjustments or relines to your dentures.
Proper Denture Care
Proper denture care is also crucial. This includes cleaning your dentures daily, not wearing them 24 hours a day, and having them checked regularly by a dental professional.
Conclusion
Living with diabetes does not preclude you from getting dentures. However, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to manage these. Regular check-ups with your dentist, good oral hygiene, and proper denture care can help mitigate these risks.
If you’re considering dentures and have diabetes, it’s essential to have a thorough discussion with your dentist or Clinical Dental Technician. They can provide advice tailored to your circumstances and guide you through the process, from choosing the right type of dentures to aftercare.
Remember, the cost of dentures can vary depending on the treatment type and provider. To get an idea of the costs involved, visit our page on how much do dentures cost in the UK.
For more information on dentures, check out our comprehensive guide Everything You Need to Know About Dentures. You can also refer to trusted dental sources such as the NHS or the General Dental Council for more information on oral health and diabetes.