Diabetes and oral health - information for the public
The importance of having good oral health is often overlooked in diabetes management. There is evidence which links periodontal or gum disease with diabetes. Periodontal disease can develop when the bacteria found in dental plaque and calculus (the film which develops on teeth) causes inflammation and bleeding gums, which if left untreated can lead to receding gums, loose teeth and eventually tooth loss. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal disease and periodontal disease can make it more difficult to manage your blood glucose control. Other oral conditions which may be a cause for concern for people with diabetes are: xerostomia (dry mouth) which can develop as a side effect of some medications or develop during prolonged periods of hyperglycemia; oral ulcers due to poor fitting dentures may be slow to heal due to diabetes, and the sugar in foods used to treat hypoglycemia may cause a higher risk of dental caries – important to rinse mouth or brush teeth afterwards.
Looking after your oral health is much like managing diabetes because it relies mainly on self management. Having a healthy mouth means taking care of your teeth and gums by eating a healthy diet, performing proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. It is also important to visit your dentist on a regular basis for dental checkups. It is at the checkup your dentist will examine your teeth, gums, and overall health of your mouth. If you are a denture wearer the dentist will assess the fit of your dentures and the health of your gums. Inform your dentist of your health history and a list of the medications you are taking. Let your dentist know of any changes or problems you are experiencing with your oral health. The dentist will perform a visual examination of your teeth, gums and mouth and will also routinely perform dental x-rays of the teeth and jaws. The health of your gums will be checked with a periodontal probe to look for pockets and bleeding. A pocket is found when the probe sinks to 5mm below the gum line. A dental cleaning will be performed as a part of your oral health maintenance.
Dental cleanings performed by a dentist or a dental hygienist are important to prevent periodontal disease and are also a part of the treatment of periodontal disease. Cleanings involve using dental instruments called scalers to scrape and remove plaque and calculus deposits. The checkups and cleanings are generally performed every six months, but sometimes more frequent visits are needed for people with periodontal disease. Your dentist or hygienist will also review oral hygiene techniques to ensure your homecare is effective. Your goal is to have a healthy mouth free of pain in order to eat and speak properly, to smile for self esteem, and to avoid complicating your diabetes management.
If you are unable to access oral health care from a dentist, inform your doctor or diabetes educator for advice about how to obtain these services or the best alternative services where you live.
Resources:
- Prevent diabetes problems, keep your teeth and gums healthy - a publication of the National Institutes of Health (pdf, 629KB)
IDF and FDI are grateful to Colgate-Palmolive for their support that made this section possible.
