The Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health

Severe gum disease can cause your gums to start pulling away from your teeth. You may also form pockets between your teeth and gums and develop infections, cavities and even begin to lose your teeth. Poor oral health can lead to heart disease, kidney disease and even stroke. Many people may be surprised to know that gum disease and oral health can be negatively affected by having diabetes. On the flip side, poor oral health can lead to poor glucose control and eventually diabetes. Essentially, understanding the link between diabetes and oral health can help a person maintain proper oral health. This is necessary in order to stay healthy and keep diabetes at bay or under control.

If you have diabetes it is most important to control your blood glucose levels. Next, developing and maintaining a proper oral care routine each day will help you to keep the link between diabetes and oral health in check. Controlling your diabetes can also prevent ulcers, soreness, infections and cavities in the mouth. Brushing and flossing properly along with visiting a dentist for regular cleanings and checkups is ideal.

Tips for Maintaining Proper Oral Health

• Flossing daily before or after brushing can help remove any food or plaque that is located between the teeth. You should start with about 20 inches of floss, winding each end around one finger on each hand. Gently slide the floss up and down in between each tooth and use a new section of the floss for each tooth. You should also bend the floss around the base of each of your teeth to reach underneath the gum line. Flossing can make a huge impact on your oral health and thus your diabetes.

• Brush your teeth at least twice per day for two minutes each time. It’s important to brush at a 45 degree angle against the gum line. Brush away from the gum line and brush the entire tooth.

• Take an extra moment to brush or scrape your tongue, because bacteria can hide out here as well as on your teeth and gums. Brushing your tongue can also help keep your breath fresh.

• Make sure to use good quality toothpaste that is designed to prevent gingivitis and bacteria growth. A good rule of thumb is to find toothpaste that is endorsed by the American Dental Association.

• Swish some water around in your mouth after you have completed flossing and brushing. This will remove any final bits of food or anything else you have brushed off your teeth and gums.

• A routine cleaning and check up should be scheduled for every six months. Your dentist will be able to tell you if you need an x-ray or any kind of work done in order to maintain proper oral health.

People who have diabetes have a higher risk for developing bacterial infections. If bacteria are present in and on the gums, it can cause severe gum disease in a very short amount of time. Most people don’t realize the amount of bacteria present in the mouth at any give time, and this is an important part of understanding the link between diabetes and oral health. Gingivitis and gum disease can begin at any age, even in young children. Diabetes can worsen this condition and make people far more susceptible to poor oral and overall health.

It’s always a good idea to inform your dentist if you are diabetic so they can tailor your checkups for your specific condition and keep an eye out for issues specific to diabetics. Contact your dentist if you notice anything out of the ordinary such as bleeding or swollen gums, gums that have moved away from the teeth, pain, or frequent bad breath.

About the author:

As a practicing dentist in San Jose, Dr. Clayton G. Zeidler of Zeidler Dental Group focuses on all aspects of family and cosmetic dentistry, including treating patients with special needs and children. From teeth whitening to dental implants, Zeidler Dental Group focuses on providing services to ensure a healthy and beautiful smile.

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