24 Mar, 2022

Diabetes and dental care: Guide to a healthy mouth

Whether you have type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, managing your blood sugar level is key.

The higher your blood sugar level, the higher your risk of:

Tooth decay (cavities): Your mouth naturally contains many types of bacteria. When starches and sugars in foods and beverages interact with these bacteria, a sticky film known as plaque forms on your teeth. The acids in plaque attack the surfaces of your teeth. This can lead to cavities and gum disease.

The higher your blood sugar level, the greater the supply of sugars and starches — and the more acid wearing away at your teeth.

Early gum disease (gingivitis):  Diabetes reduces your ability to fight bacteria. If you don't remove plaque with regular brushing and flossing, it'll harden under your gumline into a substance called tartar

In time, your gums become swollen and bleed easily.

Advanced gum disease (periodontitis): Left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a more serious infection called periodontitis, which destroys the soft tissue and bone that support your teeth

Periodontitis tends to be more severe among people who have diabetes because diabetes lowers the ability to resist infection and slows healing. An infection such as periodontitis may also cause your blood sugar level to rise, which in turn makes your diabetes more difficult to control.

Thrush: People with diabetes may be more likely to develop thrush, which is a fungal infection caused by the yeast Candida albicans. Signs of thrush include painful white or red patches inside your mouth.

Dry mouth (xerostomia): Some people with diabetes also experience a lack of saliva, leads to risk of tooth decay, gum disease and thrush.

Prevention with regular dental cleanings can help improve blood sugar control.