People with diabetes may face more health issues than those without diabetes due to their blood sugar not being well controlled. Such health conditions may include neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Persistent high blood sugar may also have a detrimental impact on oral health. Research shows that people with diabetes are about three times more likely to develop dental problems than people who don’t have diabetes.
With increased blood glucose levels, people living with diabetes may have more glucose (sugar) in their saliva and very dry mouths. These conditions allow dental plaque to build up on teeth, which can lead to tooth decay and cavities. Other conditions include gingivitis (inflammation or swelling/irritation of the gums), periodontitis (receding gums), xerostomia (chronic dry mouth), and tooth loss.
Dental plaque can be removed by cleaning your teeth and gums twice daily with a toothbrush and toothpaste. Dentists recommend being gentle when brushing over the gums where they meet the teeth as bushing them too hard can cause some gum loss. Dental professionals recommend the use of interdental cleaners or dental floss daily to clean between your teeth. Taking good care of your teeth can help prevent cavities and gum disease.
Your dental health will benefit from each step you take to control your diabetes symptoms. Here’s a checklist, as recommended by health care professionals, of what you can do to protect your teeth and gums:
- Avoid tobacco use. Both smoking and smokeless tobacco can be harmful to your dental health.
- If you have dentures or removable bridgework, clean them thoroughly every day.
- Brush at least twice daily for two minutes or more each time, using a soft-bristled brush. Morning and evening are the best times to brush.
- Clean between your teeth once a day with regular floss or a special flossing tool.
- Take diabetes medications as prescribed.
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
- Exercise regularly.
It’s important to note that having a diagnosis of diabetes does not mean you will have poor oral health; in fact, people with diabetes can live healthy lives when blood sugar is well controlled.
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41407-021-0646-4
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/diabetes-and-oral-health
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/diabetes
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.