Diabetes and Your Teeth: How Managing Diabetes Helps Your Oral Health

Posted on October 25, 2024 in Healthy Living

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people in the U.S. An estimated 38.1 million people live with diabetes, and around 8.7 million people meet the criteria to have diabetes but are undiagnosed, according to the CDC.

As the number of people affected by this condition continues to rise, it's crucial to understand the broader effect diabetes can have on your overall health as well as your oral health.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin or insulin resistance. In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin, requiring daily insulin management. In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, which is often linked to lifestyle factors. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy but can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes later in life.

When left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney damage, vision problems, and oral health issues. However, the good news is that many complications can be prevented or managed with the right care and knowledge.

How diabetes affects oral health

Diabetes affects nearly every part of the body, including the mouth. People with diabetes are more prone to developing specific oral health issues due to fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Some of the most common oral health side effects of diabetes include:

• Dry mouth: Diabetes can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Oral thrush: Higher glucose levels in saliva can create an environment for fungal infections, such as oral thrush.
• Gum disease (Gingivitis and Periodontitis): People with diabetes have a heightened risk of gum disease, which, if untreated, can lead to tooth loss and infections.

Diabetes and gum disease

One of the most significant oral health risks for people with diabetes is gum disease. High blood sugar levels can lead to elevated glucose in saliva, which encourages bacterial growth and increases the risk of gum infections. Severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, is a cause of tooth loss in adults.

The connection between diabetes and gum disease is cyclical: Diabetes increases the likelihood of gum disease, and having severe gum disease can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels and diabetes. Routine dental check-ups and proper management of diabetes can help reduce the risk of severe gum complications.

Tips for managing diabetes and protecting your oral health

Managing diabetes is essential for maintaining good oral health. Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth healthy if you are living with the disease:

• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities.
• Inform your dentist about your diabetes: Always let your dentist know about your diabetes This will help them tailor your treatment plan and more closely monitor potential signs of gum disease or other oral health issues.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for preventive cleanings and check-ups. These regular visits can provide reassurance and early detection of gum disease or other oral problems, which is crucial in managing them before they worsen.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen gum disease and increase the risk of different oral health issues.
• Monitor your gums: Pay attention to any signs of gum problems, such as swelling, redness, bleeding, or pain. If you notice any new symptoms, contact your dentist immediately to prevent the issue from progressing. 

Delta Dental of Iowa’s Enhanced Benefits Program

Delta Dental’s Enhanced Benefits Program links medical conditions with additional oral health services to improve health. People with diabetes may be eligible to receive up to four cleanings per year under our dental plans, as research has shown improved glucose levels with additional dental cleanings.

Learn more about these enhanced dental plan benefits by visiting Delta Dental of Iowa Enhanced Benefits Program.