When you think of diabetes, you probably envision blood sugar checks and eating the “right” foods. Oral health is probably low on your list of likely health risks of having the chronic disease. However, for people with diabetes, not managing blood sugar can wreak havoc on their smile.
Diabetes is a condition in which the body either doesn’t make enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it makes. This leads to blood sugar imbalances, which can cause many health issues. Elevated blood sugar can impact the eyes, heart, and nerves, to name a few. It can also affect the mouth.
How Diabetes Affects Oral Health
- Weakened Immune System: High blood sugar can weaken the body’s ability to fight infection, including those in the mouth.
- Dry Mouth: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to reduced saliva production, which is also known as xerostomia. Saliva is a superhero in the mouth, washing away food particles after eating and neutralizing enamel-eating acids in the mouth. Without saliva, the risk of cavities becomes a bigger problem.
- Sugar Overload: When blood sugar levels are high, it makes sense that everything in the body is a little sweeter – including saliva. And sweet saliva is a breeding ground for bacteria. Sugar is their favorite type of food, and whether you’ve just gorged on a ton of candy or your blood sugar levels are running high, you’ve just given bacteria an all-you-can-eat buffet.
- Increased Risk of Periodontal Disease: When bacteria can thrive in the mouth due to optimal conditions, inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) occurs. If left untreated, gingivitis can quickly progress to periodontitis, a severe form of gum disease that can impact not only the soft tissues of the mouth but also the bone that supports the teeth. This can lead to tooth loss.
- Increased Risk of Cavities: Call it the perfect storm – with less saliva to wash away food particles and sugar for bacteria to feed on, the risk of developing cavities increases.
- Oral Thrush: People with diabetes – particularly those with weakened immune systems are more prone to developing thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth and tongue. Like bacteria, thrush loves high glucose levels as it provides the food it needs to thrive.
- Delayed Healing After Oral Surgery: Uncontrolled diabetes damages the lining of blood vessels, affecting blood flow efficiency. Impaired blood flow slows healing and increases the risk of complications.
How to Protect Your Oral Health
- Manage Blood Sugar Levels. The good news is that having diabetes doesn’t mean a person will have poor oral health. In fact, people with diabetes who maintain healthy blood sugar levels through their diet, exercise, and medication are not at any higher risk for any of the issues mentioned above. Maintaining blood sugar levels is key.
- Prioritize Oral Hygiene. Brush your teeth for two minutes at least twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily. If you can swing it, brush your teeth after every meal.
- Get Regular Dental Cleanings and Exams. No cleaning is as good as the one your dental hygienist can give you. Ensure you see your hygienist and dentist every six months for a cleaning and exam.
- Combat Dry Mouth. As mentioned, dry mouth can cascade into several oral health problems. Address the issue head-on by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Chew sugar-free gum to increase saliva production, and talk to your dentist about options to help address dry mouth.
- Just say no. People who smoke have up to 20 times greater risk of developing thrush and periodontal disease. If you need help quitting, talk to your dentist.
Having diabetes doesn’t mean your oral health is doomed. By working with your doctor to manage blood sugar levels, with your dentist and hygienist to maintain oral health, and taking a proactive approach to your oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of dental problems. Need to make an appointment? Contact us here.