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    Diabetes and Oral Health
    15 Nov 2021

    Diabetes and Your Teeth – How to Maintain Optimal Mouth Health

    The link between diabetes and oral health is not a direct one, however, they are definitely connected. Maintaining good oral health and staying on top of your diabetes diagnosis can help you maintain top health, keeping you (and your teeth) happy and healthy for many years to come.

    Diabetes and oral health

    Although diabetes may not directly cause oral health issues, there are links that can mean that those who do suffer from diabetes may be at higher risk of developing oral health issues.

    Some conditions that people may find themselves dealing with include:

    Dry mouth

    If your diabetes is uncontrolled, you may find that saliva production inside your mouth is decreased, leading to feeling as though you have a perpetually dry mouth. If left untreated, this can lead to mouth sores, ulcers, tooth decay, gingivitis and infections.

    Gingivitis

    Gum inflammation and infection can be a direct result of not properly caring for and cleaning your teeth. But what many people don’t realize is that those with diabetes may be at a higher risk of developing inflammation. One common side effect of diabetes is the thickening of blood vessels which can lead to a reduced ability for your body to fight off infections. Because periodontitis is a bacterial infection, it’s common for those with uncontrolled diabetes to experience more serious cases of gum disease.

    Potential of poor healing

    Uncontrolled diabetes can cause blood flow to be reduced or damaged, which can lead to slow healing after a dental procedure or oral surgery.

    Risk of thrush

    This fungal infection thrives in glucose-rich environments, such as those found in the saliva of those with uncontrolled diabetes. If someone with diabetes frequently takes antibiotics in order to help their body fight off infections, it can leave them more susceptible to developing oral thrush.

    Living with diabetes in Oakville or Halton Region? Reach out to local resources in Oakville like the Halton Diabetes Program.

    Steps for prevention

    Because people who have diabetes are more likely to develop conditions that could result in poor oral health, it’s important for them to take steps to prevent any potential issues.

    • Monitor your blood sugar and keep it as low as possible
    • Contact your doctor before scheduling any oral surgery. Some diabetes patients need to adjust their meal schedule, insulin dosage or timing or take antibiotics in preparation for oral surgery.
    • Provide your dentist with your doctor’s name and phone number in case any concerns or questions come up during treatment or surgery.
    • Provide your dentist with a list of the medications and dosages that you are taking. If your dentist has to treat an infection or other issue, they’ll need to ensure that their prescription won’t interfere with medication that you are already taking. It’s also possible that your insulin dose may need to be adjusted.
    • If you are in a period where you blood sugar is not in control, talk to your dentist about postponing non-emergency procedures until you are able to keep it regulated.
    • Understanding that healing can take longer in those suffering from diabetes, contact your dentist immediately if you get a cut inside of your mouth (such as those from a braces wire or bracket) and follow their instructions post treatment.
    • Visit your dentist twice a year for regular cleanings and checkups. This will allow your dentist to make a plan with you for how often you need to see them.
    • Practice good oral care by flossing once a day, brushing after every meal and using a soft bristled toothbrush.
    • Clean dentures daily if you wear them.
    • Don’t smoke.

    Stay on top of your health

    We talk often about staying on top of your mouth health and ensuring that an oral care routine is part of your day, but it’s easy to forget that many parts of physical health are actually linked together. A diabetes diagnosis may seem like not a very big deal, especially if you haven’t felt too many of the physical effects yet. However, diabetes can be linked to many oral health issues, so it’s essential that you keep both in check for optimal health.