How Diabetes Affects Your Oral Health

Most people living with diabetes know that good glucose control is an important part of staying healthy.

But it's also important to keep teeth and gums healthy, because according to the CDC, people with diabetes are two times more likely to develop gum disease.

Why are people with diabetes at a higher risk for mouth diseases?

Bacteria that multiply in the mouth can lead to cavities and gum disease. People with diabetes may have higher levels of glucose (sugar) in their saliva-the fluid that keeps your mouth wet. More glucose in saliva makes bacteria more likely to grow and cause damage to your gums and teeth. Diabetes can also make you more prone to infection and slows healing.

Diabetes can also cause dry mouth, which is caused by a lack of saliva. Oral dryness can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and tooth decay.

What causes gum disease?

Cavities and tooth decay are also caused by bacteria. Glucose and starches in saliva feed bacteria in your mouth, which can form plaque on your teeth. Bacteria living on teeth and gums, also called dental plaque, can trigger gingivitis-an early form of gum disease. Signs of gingivitis include red, swollen and even bleeding gums.

Periodontitis is a more serious form of gum disease. It is an inflammation of the gum and the bone that holds the teeth in place. It can damage your gums, make it painful to chew, loosen your teeth and cause your teeth to fall out. Periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which can make diabetes more difficult to control.

What are some warning signs of poor oral health?

See your dentist if you have any of these symptoms:

• Bleeding gums when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Dry mouth
• Soreness
• Bad taste in the mouth
• White patches in your mouth
• Gums that have pulled away from teeth
• Pus or long-lasting infection between the teeth and gums
• Bad breath
• Loose teeth or teeth that move away from each other
• Changes in the way your teeth bite
• Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges

What are ways to keep teeth and gums healthy?

• Control your blood sugar. This is important to help prevent mouth problems. Managing your blood sugar means following your diabetes treatment plan as directed by your health care provider. Take insulin and other medications as prescribed, eat nutritious foods and get regular exercise.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss once every day. Use a fluoride toothpaste to reduce the risk of tooth decay.
• Ask your dentist about using anti-plaque or anti-gingivitis mouth rinse. This may help control plaque and lower the chance of gum disease.
• Visit your dentist at least twice a year for a check-up and cleaning.
• Tell your dentist if you have diabetes and about any other health conditions or medications.
• If you wear dentures or partial bridge, tell your dentist if they do not fit right, or if your gums are sore.
• If you smoke, quit; smoking makes gum disease worse

If you smoke, quit. Smoking makes gum disease worse. Visit the Walgreens Quit Smoking Answer Center for smoking cessation tips and support.

Colgate Total is collaborating with the American Diabetes Association to show how small steps can make a big difference.

If you keep your blood sugar under control, brush and floss regularly, and visit a dentist as directed, you can help keep your mouth healthy. Be well, stay well.

Sources

"What dental professionals would like team members to know about oral healt and diabetes," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 3 Dec 2018. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 3 Dec 2018.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/pdfs/ppod-guide-dental-professionals.pdf

"Diabetes, gum disease and other dental problems," National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Web. 3 Dec 2018.
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems

"Diabetes and your smile," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Web. 3 Dec 2018.
https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-and-dentalhealth.html

"Diabetes," National Institute of Dental and Craiofacial Research. Web. 3 Dec 2018.
https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/diabetes/more-info

"Diabetes and your smile," American Dental Association. Web. 3 Dec 2018.
https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/az-topics/d/diabetes

"Diabetes and oral health problems," American Diabetes Association. Web. 3 Dec 2018.
https://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/diabetes-and-oral-health.html
Andy Stergachis, Ph.D., R.Ph. is the Director of the Global Medicines Program at the University of Washington in Seattle and a subject expert on public health and pharmacy-related topics.

Updated by:: Jenilee Matz, MPH, on December 6, 2018.