Diabetes and Your Dental Health
It’s no secret that living with diabetes is a daily challenge.
Not only do individuals need to be aware of how every food and drink will affect their blood sugar levels, but they also need to be ever vigilant about how they’re taking proper care of their physical health—especially their oral health.
Regardless of type 1 or 2 diabetes, this disorder increases the risk to the health of your teeth and gums, so, it’s essential to take extra steps to maintain peak oral health.
In this blog, we’ll outline how diabetes can affect oral health and some key steps you can take to ensure you’re doing your best to keep your teeth and gums as healthy as possible.
How does diabetes affect oral health?
In people with diabetes, the pancreas has stopped (or mostly stopped) working, meaning the body can no longer properly regulate blood sugar levels. If uncontrolled, extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels weaken white blood cells–the body’s main tool for fighting bacterial infections that can occur in the mouth.
This can result in:
Cavities – increased blood sugar level can lead to increased glucose in saliva, which can increase cavities.
Periodontal disease – diabetes can increase blood vessel thickness, making it more difficult for blood to bring nutrients and haul away waste, leading to an increased chance of gingivitis and its more severe form—periodontitis.
Dry mouth – uncontrolled diabetes can restrict the flow of saliva to the mouth causing dryness.
Thrush – increased antibiotic usage, combined with an increase in glucose in saliva, increases the chance of contracting this fungal infection.
Smoking compounds this risk. In fact, those with diabetes who smoke are up to 20 per cent more likely to get thrush
Tips for diabetes and your dental health
The good news is, just like diabetes, these problems are very manageable with modern medicine. Just like with any oral health concern, the first steps are to brush regularly (at least twice per day or after every meal when possible), floss daily, visit the dentist for a routine check-up and cleaning (at least twice per year), and seek out a dental professional if you are experiencing any pain or abnormalities in your mouth.
Other steps you can take include:
Maintaining a healthy blood sugar level through the use of insulin and your diet
Ensuring your dentist knows you have diabetes
Providing your dentist with your doctor’s name and number in case any questions or concerns arise
Bringing your dentist a list of all the medications you are currently taking
Talking to your doctor before any major periodontal surgery
Talking to your doctor about how you can quit smoking (if you are struggling to quit)
Maintaining your oral health
With modern medicine, managing diabetes and keeping your dental health optimal is not only possible but relatively simple. And, by taking the proper steps to keep your blood sugar levels balanced, you will decrease the chance of complications.
If you have questions about diabetes and your oral health, be sure to talk with your doctor and your dentist during your next visit.