Diabetes and Oral Health

Dental Risks of Diabetes - If you have diabetes, your body has to work harder to stay healthy. You are also at high risk of dental problems including dry mouth, chronic bad breath, tooth decay, oral fungal infections and gum disease.

Poorly controlled blood sugar levels impairs your white blood cells, which are your body’s main defence against bacterial infections.

Infections can increase blood sugar levels, making your diabetes harder to control! Well controlled diabetes contributes to a healthy mouth.  If your gum disease is controlled, your blood sugar is more likely to be controlled.

Regular dental cleaning is very important because you’re at higher risk of oral health problems due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Dry mouth:  Medications and uncontrolled diabetes cause decreased saliva flow, resulting in burning sensation, tooth decay, oral thrush and oral infections.

Gum inflammation:  Periodontal disease is caused by plaque (bacteria and food debris) build up. This initiates the inflammation process, resulting in red swollen bleeding gums, before destroying the supporting bone structure of the teeth. It is a slow painless progressive disease, and without early dental detection may not show obvious signs until it has progressed into its later stage resulting in tooth mobility and dental infections.

Smoking: Smoking is the no.1 risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Smoking also reduces blood flow to tissues which impairs tissue healing.

Regular Dental visits

It is important to visit a dental professional regularly, because we can detect gum disease even before you have any pain or symptoms.  People with diabetes need visits every 3-6 months to maintain optimal oral health. At ProSmile, we will ask you what medications you take, your Blood Sugar levels, if you have had a hypoglycaemic episode, and when you last took your insulin.

At every visit, we check the condition of your gums, remove the bacteria that’s inaccessible with homecare technique, and keep you fully informed of your periodontal condition.

At ProSmile we take the time in a relaxed environment to teach you the best way to care for your teeth and gums at home, and will recommend any products to assist your home care to optimize your oral health. Your optimal oral health is our highest priority.

Home Care for your teeth and gums

• Remove plaque regularly, brush your teeth at least 2xday and brush your tongue.
• Always use a small soft toothbrush. If you are using an electric toothbrush, use a ‘sensitive’ head.
• Floss everyday. Cleaning between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes removes bacteria in the areas your toothbrush cannot reach.
• If you wear dentures, remove them at night and soak them in antibacterial such as STERIDENT.
• If you’re a smoker, consider the benefits of quitting. It’s not always easy, but recent research has shown that even cutting back makes a difference to your health. QUITLINE has some great tips and ongoing support to help you quit.