Diabetes and oral health go hand-in-hand. If one isn’t managed, it can negatively impact the other. If you have diabetes, here’s what to know to keep your mouth and body healthy.
How Diabetes Affects Dental Health
There are three diabetes symptoms that have the potential to negatively impact oral health:
- High blood sugar. When sugar levels are high in your blood, they are high in your saliva too. Sugar that is left to sit on teeth can lead to the development of cavities and gum disease.
- Weakened white blood cells. Chronic high blood sugar can weaken white blood cells, making it harder to fight mouth infections. Gum disease can take longer to heal, causing loss of teeth, bad breath and even damage to the underlying bone in the mouth.
- Not enough saliva production. Certain diabetes medications can cause dry mouth, increasing the risk of cavities and oral infections.
Making sure that your diabetes is properly managed can play a huge role in maintaining good oral health.
How Poor Dental Health Affects Diabetes
Good oral health does more than keep your mouth healthy. It helps keep your whole body healthy, too.
“Good systemic health leads to good oral health and good oral health leads to good systemic health,” shares Terry Norris, DMD, the lead consulting dentist for HRI Dental & Vision.
Research studies have shown that poor oral health can contribute to poorer blood glucose level control in people with diabetes. Not taking care of your mouth can make it harder to manage diabetes, leading to long-term effects.
To support your oral health, Dr. Norris advises: “Brush at least three times a day, floss daily, don’t smoke, and go to the dentist at least every six months for preventive cleanings. Avoid alcohol, as it causes dry mouth, and sugary beverages due to their negative impact on your teeth and blood sugar.”
Talking to Your Dentist About Your Diabetes
In addition to taking the normal measures to prevent dental disease, be sure to tell your dentist if you have diabetes. Based on this knowledge, they may recommend additional preventive treatments or modify your treatment plan.
When you go to your dentist appointment, bring the following information:
- Your glycosylated hemoglobin (HgA1C) level. This will give your dentist insight into how well your diabetes is currently managed.
- The names of dosages of your current medications. Medications may need to be adjusted to treat an oral infection.
If your blood sugar isn’t well-managed, postpone any non-emergency dental procedures. Having dental procedures at a time when blood sugar is well-managed can help prevent infection and promote faster healing.
The Bottom Line
Actively managing your diabetes is the best thing you can do for your dental and overall health. If your diabetes is well-managed, you are at no greater risk of tooth decay or gum disease than people without diabetes.
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Sources
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/diabetes-oral-health.html
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11263-oral-health-problems-and-diabetes
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