Diabetes and the Mouth
Diabetes affects on oral health: A Guide
If you have diabetes it can affect many parts of your body, including your mouth. Diabetes affects oral health due to high blood sugar levels. If your blood sugar level is not controlled, you may have more plaque bacteria than most people.This can increase your risk of dental disease such as gum disease, tooth decay and infections.
Can diabetes cause gum disease?
Yes, diabetes can cause gum disease. High blood sugar levels can increase the amount of plaque in the mouth.
Plaque is the sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth and gums. If it is not removed it can lead to gum infections. Having more plaque bacteria in the mouth increases the risks of having gum disease. Gingivitis is the early signs of gum disease, caused by build up of bacterial plaque and tartar on teeth and gums. If you have diabetes, it is harder for your body to control plaque bacteria, which can lead to red gums, swollen or tender gums and gums that bleed easily.
High blood sugar level reduces the ability of white blood cells to fight infections, making diabetics more prone to gum infections, inflammation, and potential tooth loss.
Does Diabetes affect teeth?
Yes, diabetes can affect teeth. High blood glucose levels can also lead to high glucose levels in saliva. This can contribute to plaque buildup. The bacteria in plaque can produce acids that cause tooth decay.
Does diabetes cause mouth ulcers?
Yes, diabetes can cause mouth ulcers. This is largely because high blood sugar weakens the immune system and impairs the body’s ability to fight infection and heal tissues.
What are other oral health effects of diabetes?
Diabetes can cause dry mouth, so there is less saliva flow, also known as Xerostomia. Saliva helps prevent frictional mouth ulcers such as from dentures, retainers or mouth guards that are rubbing.
Dry mouth can also lead to fungal infections like thrush, because elevated sugar levels in saliva foster the growth of fungi and bacteria. These cause painful red or white sores.
Reduced saliva flow also leads to a higher risk of cavities, because saliva’s buffering action helps protect teeth.
People with diabetes have slower healing. Therefore mouth ulcers or infections, such as those from dental procedures or dentures, take longer to heal.
Can oral health affect diabetes?
Yes, poor oral health can affect diabetes. Gum disease causes inflammation, which can enter the bloodstream and elevate blood glucose levels making diabetes worse.. Treating gum disease and maintaining good oral hygiene can help stabilise blood sugar control.
Tips to control diabetes and maintain a healthy mouth
Blood Sugar Control
Managing blood glucose levels is critical to reducing the severity of oral complications. Controlling your sugar intake and dietary habits will help control diabetes.
Regular Dental Check Ups
Frequent visits to the dentist are necessary for early detection of dental disease such as gum disease and tooth decay, as diabetics are at higher risk.
Good Daily Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between teeth daily is essential to prevent plaque buildup.
Quit Smoking
Smoking significantly worsens the risk of gum disease in diabetics, as well as having many other negative effects on health.
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At Dentael, we’re here to help with preventing dental problems as well as providing a range of modern dental treatments including dental hygiene, composite dental bonding, tooth replacements, dental mouth guards and more.
Our dentist has 30 years experience dedicated to providing high quality dental care for patients of all ages. She is a long standing member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, as well as the British Dental Association.
Our modern dental clinic is based in Ealing Perivale Greenford and is conveniently located for residents, workers and students in West London and Middlesex. With excellent transport links and street free parking. We cover the surrounding areas of Northolt, Hillingdon, Harrow, Wembley, Southall, Hounslow and more. If you have diabetes, we’re here to help with your dental health, so book your dental appointment.
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