DIABETES AND DENTAL HEALTH
Taking care of your dental health is important when you have diabetes. Looking after your teeth and gums and managing your blood glucose levels can help reduce the risk of dental problems like gum disease and tooth decay.
HOW CAN DIABETES AFFECT MY TEETH AND GUMS?
If your blood glucose is above the target range, it increases the risk of getting tooth decay and gum disease or infections. You may suffer from dry mouth or more glucose in your saliva which can lead to plaque build up on your teeth – a sticky film consisting mostly of bacteria. These bacteria produce acids which can damage the surface of the teeth, leading to tooth decay and gum disease. Gum disease can take longer to heal if you have diabetes.
Proper brushing and flossing help protect your teeth and gums. Along with good oral hygiene, visiting your dentist 6-12 monthly is recommended.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON DENTAL PROBLEMS FROM DIABETES?
- GINGIVITIS or INFLAMED GUMS (red swollen and bleeding gums)
- PERIODONTITIS or GUM DISEASE (receding red swollen gums, infection between teeth and gums, loose and moving teeth, bad breath which won’t go away, loose dentures)
- CANDIDIASISÂ or THRUSH (sore red, white patches on your tongue, gums, cheek or roof of your mouth)
- XEROSTOMIA or DRY MOUTH (dry feeling in your mouth, dry tongue, cracked lips, mouth sores, infection and problem in chewing swallowing)
SIGNS OF GUM DISEASE:
- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss your teeth
- Dry mouth
- Bad breath
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- gums that are loose and pull away from the teeth
- Spaces opening up between your teeth
- Loose teeth
- Receding gums exposing tooth roots
SIGNS OF TOOTH DECAY:
- Toothache
- Sensitive tooth
- Bad breath
- Black spots appearing on your teeth
HOW CAN I KEEP MY MOUTH HEALTHY?
DIABETES AND TIPS TO LOOK AFTER YOUR DENTAL HEALTH:
- Brush and floss your teeth every day. Brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day.
- See your dentist at least once a year. Inform your dentist about your diabetes condition and if you are having any problems with your gums or teeth. Follow your dentist’s advice on looking after your teeth and gums.
- Talk to your doctor about keeping your blood glucose levels within your target range.
- Do not smoke. If you smoke, try to quit.
- Avoid dry mouth – drink lots of water and chew sugar free gum to stimulate saliva production.
- Consume healthy nutritious diet. Limit foods and drinks high in added sugars. Choose water over sugary drinks.
- If you wear dentures, remove them after each meal and rinse your mouth with water. Brush your gums gently with a soft toothbrush to stimulate blood circulation. Rinse your dentures thoroughly under water, clean the dentures with a soft denture brush, then soak them in a denture cleaner. Make sure your dentures fit properly, if not they can damage your gums and increase the risk of infection.
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS? DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT OUR DENTAL TEAM IN INDOOROOPILLY ON 38783384
WE PROMISE “A GENTLE CARING DENTAL EXPERIENCE AT YOUR LOCAL INDOOROOPILLY DENTIST.”
For more information on Diabetes and looking after your dental health visit the following:
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/ConditionsAndTreatments/diabetes-and-oral-health
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/preventing-complications/dental-health/