Taking good care of your oral health is important for everyone, and it is especially important if you are living with diabetes. Oral health and diabetes are interconnected. Good oral health can have a positive effect on blood sugar. Well-managed blood sugar can make it easier to maintain good oral health.
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease in which the gums are inflamed – red, swollen, and may bleed easily. Over time, if gingivitis is untreated, it can lead to periodontitis, which is a serious inflammation of the gums. Periodontitis can lead to destruction of the jawbone and ultimately result in tooth loss. If you have diabetes, you have a 34% higher risk of developing periodontitis than someone who does not have diabetes.
If you have diabetes and your blood sugar is high, the sugar content of your saliva will also be high. The sugar in saliva attracts bacteria, which can lead to cavity formation and inflamed gums. People with diabetes often have less saliva/dry mouth which is another risk factor for tooth and gum problems. High blood sugar levels are also associated with lower white blood cells in the blood and in the mouth. This decreased immune function increases the risk of infections in the mouth, and makes infections more difficult to treat, with longer healing times. The higher your blood sugar, the higher your risk for cavities, tooth loss, tooth implants that don’t ‘take’, thrush (yeast infection of the mouth), and even oral cancer.
Oral health can also affect blood sugar levels. If you have gum disease or infection of the mouth, the inflammation can lead to a systemic inflammatory response, which can increase blood sugar levels. Studies show that people who have diabetes who also have periodontitis are more likely to have or develop eye, kidney, and nerve damage, as well as cardiac complications.
Tips:
- Let your dentist know if you have diabetes.
- Work with your healthcare team to manage your blood sugar levels.
- Visit the dentist regularly (at least every 6 months, or more frequently if your dentist advises).
- Limit sugary foods and drinks which increase plaque buildup.
- Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride at least twice daily. Brush gently, using a small, circular motion.
- Floss your teeth gently at least once daily.
- Contact your dentist if you have any sign of gum disease – red, swollen gums, gums that bleed easily, chronic bad breath, or cracked, chipped or loose teeth.
- Ask for assistance in order to quit smoking.
For assistance with finding affordable dental care, you can look for dental schools which often provide dental services for reduced cost. State dental organizations such as New York State Dental Association | American Dental Association can provide referrals for affordable dental services. Search for federally-qualified health centers in your area, which often provide income-based dental services on a sliding scale, here: Find a Health Center
Resources:
Oral Health and Diabetes | Diabetes | CDC
What Can You Do to Improve the Oral Health of Your Patients with Diabetes? – Blog – NIDDK
All Blogs are written by Professionals in the fields of Nutrition, Human Development and Diabetes.