Diabetes and oral health
People living with diabetes have a higher risk of tooth and gum problems, particularly if they have irregular blood glucose levels. As well as keeping blood glucose levels in the target range, they should pay particular attention to their oral health.
Common oral health conditions
Some of the more common oral health problems affecting people with diabetes include:
- gum disease (periodontitis)
- tooth decay
- dry mouth
- oral thrush (candidiasis)
- mouth ulcers
- taste disturbances.
Gum disease (periodontitis)
Periodontitis is a severe and irreversible form of gum disease. It’s caused by a build-up of plaque and bacteria and leads to a deep inflammation in the gums that affects the bone holding the teeth in place. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent bone and tooth loss.
People living with diabetes have a greater risk of developing gum disease, particularly if their blood glucose levels aren’t in the recommended range. This is because they generally have lower resistance to infection and a reduced capacity to heal.
A long-term infection, such as untreated gum disease, can make it hard to control blood glucose level.
Signs and symptoms of gum disease
Visit your dental practitioner if you notice any of these symptoms:
- red, swollen or bleeding gums
- receding gums
- bad breath or bad taste
- sensitive teeth
- loose teeth.
Tooth decay
Diabetes changes the saliva in your mouth. Tooth decay occurs when the bacteria in dental plaque converts sugar and refined carbohydrates into acid. As people with irregular blood glucose levels have higher levels of glucose in their saliva, they are at a higher risk of tooth decay.
Dental plaque can be managed through brushing teeth and gums twice a day.
Dry mouth
People living with diabetes can also experience dry mouth. The cause of this is unknown, but may be linked to the larger than normal production of urine (polyuria), or changes in the salivary glands. Dry mouth may increase your risk of tooth decay. Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugar-free gum, taking frequent small sips of water, and maintaining good oral hygiene. Your dental practitioner can provide information on how to relieve dry mouth.
Oral infections
Oral thrush (candidiasis) is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast-like fungus Candida albicans that lives in the mouth and throat. Dry mouth and a lowered resistance to infection can lead to oral thrush. If needed, your dentist can treat this by prescribing antifungal medications.
Managing oral health and diabetes
If you are a person living with diabetes, discuss your diabetes with your dental practitioner, this will help them develop an oral care health plan to assist you in keeping a healthy mouth. You can also decrease your risk of complications by:
- Following your doctor’s advice to keep your blood glucose levels as close to their target levels as possible.
- Brushing your teeth twice a day using a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Cleaning between your teeth daily with floss or interdental brushes.
- Cleaning dentures daily to remove plaque.
- Quit smoking to improve your dental and general health.
- Visit your dental practitioner regularly, arrange check-ups every 6 months. This will allow your dental practitioner to check for signs of tartar (calculus) build up on your teeth regularly.