Oral health may not be top of mind when you think of diabetes, but it’s an important part of diabetes management. Managing your blood glucose (blood glucose) will lower your risk for gum disease (also called periodontal disease), gingivitis, developing cavities, dry mouth, and other oral complications.
If you don’t have diabetes, having gum disease can cause inflammation, which studies show increases your risk for diabetes.
The saliva in your mouth protects against dryness, food particle and bacteria build-up, and tooth decay. When you have diabetes, your body tends to make less saliva—which means less protection. Diabetes can also increase the amount of glucose in your saliva, leading to more bacterial growth and plaque build-up. This is why diabetes care and dental care go hand in hand.
Over time, high blood glucose levels can lead to gum disease. Gum disease is an infection that affects the soft tissue in your mouth and can wear away the bones that hold your teeth in place.
Signs of Gum Disease
Diabetes is best managed with a diabetes care team approach. Your team should include a dentist. If you think you may have gum disease, they can identify the problem and create a treatment plan.
Signs of gum disease include:
- Red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums
- Loose teeth
- Increased space between your teeth
- Dry mouth
- Persistent bad breath, even after you’ve brushed your teeth
Preventing Gum Disease
One of the best defenses you have against gum disease besides managing your diabetes is visiting your dentist for your regular checkups. This also will help them to identify problems early.
Visit your dentist every six months or more often, if needed. During your visit, discuss your diabetes and how it affects your oral health, and the warning signs of gum disease.
Preventative Dental Visits Save Money
People may skip preventative care visits to their dentist or doctor to try to save money—but it may cost them in the long term.
When you visit your dentist twice a year, they’ll check for the warning signs of gum disease or if you have it, then start treatment right away. The earlier you catch it, the better. Costs for early treatment, like a deep cleaning, are much cheaper than in-depth treatments, like a gum or bone graft—so don’t wait!
Simply put, going to your dentist will help save you time and money down the road. It will help avoid damage from gum disease that could have been prevented.
Inflammation and Diabetes Risk
If you develop gum disease, your gums become inflamed. And inflammation in the body can lead to higher blood glucose (blood sugar) levels—which can contribute to a higher risk of diabetes. Brushing and flossing your teeth will help prevent gum disease and inflammation.
Conclusions
Oral health is a big part of managing diabetes. When trying to prevent gum disease and diabetes, manage your blood glucose, take care of your teeth daily, and see your dentist to prevent and identify problems.
