Diabetes and Dental Health
December 29, 2019
Diabetes is a chronic disease which can be controlled but not cured. However for people at risk of developing the disease, it can be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle.
There are several forms of Diabetes. Type 2 diabetes affects the majority of diabetics. For those with the disease it can be managed with healthy food choices, medication and exercise. Type 1 affects about 10% of diabetics and cannot be prevented but can be managed the same way. Gestational diabetes is a third type that occurs during pregnancy. It will usually resolve at the end of the pregnancy. Unfortunately these mothers are more at risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Dental complications of diabetes
- Increased risk of gum disease.
- Risk of hypoglycaemia (decreased blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (elevated blood sugar) during dental appointments.
- Impaired healing, especially when diabetes is uncontrolled. This can lead to complications after gum therapy, tooth extractions and other mouth surgery.
- Increased fungal infections in the mouth (thrush), especially if you wear dentures.
- Dry mouth
- Impaired taste
Diabetes and gum disease
- People with diabetes have twice the risk of developing gum disease.
- The risk level is higher if the diabetes is not controlled.
- The risk level is higher the longer the diabetes has been present.
- Gum disease is more severe in people with diabetes and progresses twice as fast.
- Gum disease is worse in people with diabetes who smoke.
- Diabetes and gum disease are related in children and adolescents as well.
- The relationship works both ways. People may have more difficulty controlling their diabetes if they have periodontal disease.
Important information before dental visits
- Tell your dentist you have diabetes, any medications you are taking and how well your diabetes is controlled.
- Take all your medications as normal.
- Book appointments when you know your blood sugar levels will be normal. Usually this means eating before your visit.
- If you take insulin, appointments in the morning after breakfast are ideal.
- Continue to eat normal meals after your dental visit.
How to keep your mouth and body health
Have a healthy lifestyle by:
- Quitting smoking
- Controlling your blood sugar levels
- Taking medications as directed by your doctor
- Reducing your intake of salt and sugar
- Drinking lots of water and avoiding sugared soft drinks and fruit juices
- Eating breakfast lunch and dinner everyday
- Reducing your intake of high cholesterol and saturated fat containing foods
- Controlling your weight by reducing calorie intake and exercising regularly
- Eating the correct quantities of food
Prevent gum disease by:
- Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Cleaning in between your teeth daily with floss or other dental aids
- Having regular dentist visits at least once per year
- Having regular hygienist treatments and following their advice
Not only will eating less sugar decrease your risk of tooth decay but leading a healthy life style will benefit you in multiple ways. Many of the risk factors for diabetes, heart disease and periodontal disease are shared. The risk of developing all three diseases can be reduced by making healthy choices.
For further information visit diabetes.org.nz
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