The Impact of Diabetes on Oral Health: What Patients Need to Know

Insulin is essential for controlling blood sugar levels. High or low blood sugar levels can have a wide-reaching impact. It could lead to vision problems, kidney failure and heart disease.

A lesser known impact of diabetes on the body is the potential for oral health problems. And what’s interesting about this link is that oral health problems can also make diabetes more difficult to manage.

In this guide, we’re exploring the link between oral health and diabetes, so you can make informed decisions about your care.

How are diabetes and oral health linked?

Patients with diabetes need to take extra care with their oral health, as they will be more susceptible to problems. Diabetes increases glucose levels in the saliva, which puts your teeth in a vulnerable position. Tooth decay and gum disease are more likely for patients with diabetes.

Diabetes also increases inflammation throughout the body, which can make conditions like gum disease much worse. It impacts wound healing, so sores in the mouth can take much longer to heal and will leave the body vulnerable to infection.

What is interesting about this link is that it goes both ways. Oral health problems can also have an impact on blood sugar levels, which can make diabetes more difficult to manage.

This is why it’s essential for patients with diabetes to keep their oral health under control and to attend regular checkups. Unlike with other patients, problems can move much more quickly for patients with diabetes, so it’s essential to visit the dentist at least twice a year. You can also visit the dentist as soon as you notice a problem.

How can patients with diabetes support their oral health?

There are simple things you can do that will give your body the best possible chance to fight things like gum disease and tooth decay. Brushing your teeth twice a day is a great place to start.

The stakes are much higher when dealing with conditions such as diabetes, so it’s essential that you don’t skip a day.

You should also visit the dentist every 6 months for a checkup and deep cleaning. This will help to remove all traces of plaque and tartar that cannot be shifted with brushing alone.

Keeping your diabetes under control will also help to support your oral health. Monitoring your blood glucose and making healthy lifestyle choices can help to safeguard your oral health.

Diet is also important for patients with diabetes, as there are certain food items that will be worse for your teeth than others. These food items will often have a negative impact on your diabetes, too.

Examples include sweets, starchy foods, anything sticky or very chewy, and refined carbs. Bulking out your diet with more fresh fruits, vegetables and lean protein will help you to manage a healthy weight, while also protecting your teeth from damage.

Looking for extra support?

It’s not just your GP that can help you to manage the symptoms of your diabetes. Your dentist is also here to support you. If you’re worried about how your diabetes will impact your oral health, get in touch with our team.

We can provide personalised support and recommendations that will help to address your oral health concerns at the same time as making it easier for you to manage your diabetes. Book an appointment with Armytage Dental & Implant Centre today to learn more.