The connection between diabetes and your mouth

What’s the connection?

Diabetes affects the mouth in more than one way. Uncontrolled diabetes reduces saliva production and this can lead to increased risk of caries. Patients with uncontrolled diabetes are also highly prone to develop periodontal disease due to the inflamed gums and trapping the bacteria under the inflamed gums. This can lead to bone loss. And with bone being what holds teeth in the jaws, the teeth can get mobile.
Like most infections, gum disease can also lead to an increase in blood sugar levels, and that makes diabetes harder to keep under control. So this is a negative vicious cycle, which can be taken care of with a few preventive measures.
 

Tips for people with diabetes

• Blood glucose control is very important for the mouth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay.
• Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Your hygienist may even recommend other preventative products such as mouth rinses.
• If you wear dentures, be sure to clean them regularly and remove them at night.
• The healing process after tooth removal can be slower due to diabetes, so make sure to follow the post-operative advice.
• Maintain good oral hygiene and get your teeth and gums cleaned and checked by your dentist/hygienist twice a year, or more if recommended

For more information please call our team on 07 4725 3366