Diabetes and Oral Health

Did you know that diabetes and oral health are interconnected?

Scientific studies have revealed a strong bidirectional link between diabetes and gum disease – especially the most severe form of gum disease, Periodontitis.

If you have Periodontitis, research shows that you are at a higher risk of developing diabetes.

Conversely, if you have diabetes (type 1 or 2), you are more likely to experience teeth and gum issues such as:

• Bad breath

• Dry mouth

• Problems tasting food

• Infections in the mouth

• Gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis)

• Delayed wound healing in the mouth

• Further diabetic complications such as cardiovascular and kidney disease

This means that, if you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to let your dentist know as soon as possible. Follow this up with check-ups every six months and always tell your dentist about any changes in your diabetes status. Similarly, keep your doctor informed about any major changes in your oral health too.

How are gum disease and diabetes connected?

When gum tissue is damaged due to gum disease, this allows dental plaque bacteria to spread into the rest of the body via the blood stream.

The presence of bacteria in the body triggers an immune response, which makes blood sugar levels harder to control and may worsen existing diabetic complications.

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), “Periodontal disease is the most common dental concern for people living with diabetes, affecting nearly 22% of all people with Type I and Type II diabetes.” This connection between gum disease and diabetes is significant because people with diabetes are more likely to have gum disease, cavities, and other dental problems, and these oral issues can, in turn, worsen diabetes management.

The presence of diabetes can increase glucose levels in saliva, which feeds harmful bacteria in the mouth, contributing to plaque formation and eventually tartar, leading to gum disease. Left untreated, gum disease can advance from gingivitis to periodontitis, potentially leading to tooth loss, a condition that is more common in individuals with diabetes compared to those without.

How diabetes can affect your mouth

People with diabetes may experience a range of oral health issues due to the condition's impact on the body, including:

• Increased risk of periodontal (gum) disease: Gum infections can be more severe and heal slower in people with diabetes.

• Dry mouth: Diabetes can reduce saliva production, leading to a dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

• Higher risk of cavities: Elevated glucose levels in saliva can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria, contributing to tooth decay and cavities.

• Fungal infections: Conditions like oral thrush, a type of yeast infection, are more common due to diabetes-related changes in the mouth.

• Inflammation and bleeding of gums: Signs of gum disease are often more prevalent.

Slower healing of mouth infections: Due to diabetes, infections in the mouth may take longer to heal​​​​​​.

Diabetes and tooth decay

Diabetes significantly increases the risk of tooth decay. This is primarily due to the higher levels of glucose in the saliva of individuals with diabetes. When blood sugar levels are elevated, saliva also contains more glucose, creating an ideal environment for the growth of decay-causing bacteria. These bacteria feed on the sugars and produce acids that attack tooth enamel, leading to cavities. 

Additionally, diabetes can decrease saliva flow, exacerbating dry mouth conditions. Dry mouth further contributes to tooth decay as saliva is essential in washing away food particles and neutralizing harmful acids. Effective management of diabetes, combined with diligent oral hygiene practices like regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups, can help reduce the risk of tooth decay.

Oral fungal infections and diabetes

People with diabetes are more susceptible to oral fungal infections, particularly oral thrush (candidiasis). This susceptibility is due to a combination of factors related to diabetes, such as higher levels of glucose in saliva and a reduced ability to fight infections. Oral thrush is caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, a yeast that lives naturally in the mouth. High glucose levels in saliva provide an ideal breeding ground for this yeast, while a lowered immune response in people with diabetes makes it harder to control the overgrowth. 

Symptoms of oral thrush include white or red patches in the mouth, which can be painful and sometimes ulcerated. Maintaining good oral hygiene and controlling blood glucose levels are crucial in preventing and treating oral thrush. In cases where oral thrush develops, dentists can prescribe antifungal medications to manage the infection effectively.

Managing your  oral health routine while living with diabetes

If you have diabetes, it is extremely important to have an excellent oral care routine and have regular check-ups with your dental professional.

Follow these three easy steps to help keep your teeth, gums, and whole body healthy:

1. BRUSH your teeth at least two times a day, or after each meal, using a toothpaste with plaque control.
2. CLEAN BETWEEN YOUR TEETH every day using a gentle floss, interdental brush, or interdental pick such as GUM® SOFT-PICKS® Advanced.
3. RINSE with a mouthwash for an effective and refreshing way to reach more parts of your mouth and complete your routine.

Incorporating the following practices into your daily routine will help you maintain good oral health and contribute to better diabetes management.

• Visit Your Dentist Regularly: Regular dental check-ups are essential. Your dentist can spot early signs of gum disease and other oral health issues that are common in people with diabetes. These visits also provide an opportunity for professional cleanings, which can remove tartar and hard-to-reach plaque.

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking can exacerbate oral health problems, especially for individuals with diabetes. It increases the risk of gum disease, infections, and delayed healing. Quitting smoking can significantly improve oral health and overall well-being.

• Manage Blood Sugar Levels: Keeping your diabetes under control is key. Well-managed blood sugar levels reduce the risk of developing severe gum disease and other oral health problems.

• Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps combat dry mouth, a common issue in people with diabetes. It also helps in washing away food particles and decreasing plaque buildup.

• Eat a Balanced Diet: A diet low in sugar and high in nutrients supports not just your overall health but also reduces the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can naturally help clean your teeth.

Find out more about the Gum Link, and read our tips on how to brush, how to floss, and how to clean between your teeth.