The connection between diabetes and oral health

Read time: 4 minutes

As we know, diabetes can often lead to health complications such as heart disease, chronic kidney disease, nerve damage, and more. Quietly nestled among the list of those “other” complications to be mindful of is the connection between hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and oral health.

Diabetes prevalence in the U.S.

According to the American Diabetes Association, of the 38.4 million Americans with diabetes, 16.5 million are people age 65 or older. That’s nearly 43% of all diabetes cases and roughly 29% of all Americans over the age of 65.

The impact of diabetes on oral health

Diabetes can lead to issues such as:

Cavities
Dry mouth
Burning mouth
Thrush
Tooth loss
The need for root canal treatment
Oral cancer

… and more

In fact, poor oral health is so common for people with diabetes that the National Institutes of Health says oral health should be included as part of managing diabetes.

How diabetes can impact your mouth daily

First off, if your blood sugar is elevated, your saliva, too, will have high sugar content. This means that bacteria in plaque will feed on that sugar. Now, as the American Diabetes Association says, “Bacteria in a person with diabetes is no different than people without diabetes. The difference is in the nature and intensity of the body’s inflammatory response to the bacteria.”

Because of this, chances are people with diabetes will have a greater inflammatory response. More sugar in your saliva combined with the greater inflammatory response to bacteria can be a formula for dental issues quickly.

Another thing to keep in mind is that high blood sugar can weaken white blood cells. These are your body’s main way to fight infections that can occur in the mouth. This means that it may take longer for oral infections to heal.

Tips for better oral health for people with diabetes

Ready for some good news?

There’s no secret to taking care of your teeth if you have diabetes. With daily care, people with diabetes can help prevent many of the issues listed above.

Brush regularly – with the right tools. The standard advice of twice a day (after breakfast and before bed) still applies. However, many resources point out to use a toothbrush with soft bristles … hard bristles can wear away the enamel on your teeth.
See your dentist twice a year. Because of the correlation between diabetes and oral health, your dentist may advise cleanings every three months (depending on your gum health). They may also suggest an antibacterial mouth rinse of antibiotics. Also, talk with your dentist about your diabetes at each visit.
Floss daily. We often forget that plaque and bacteria don’t take a day off. But the truth is that not flossing allows for plaque and food particles to build up between teeth and along the gum line. This can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.

Bonus tip! The American Dental Association advises people with diabetes schedule their dental appointments in the mornings. The reason? Cortisol levels are typically higher in the morning, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

The positive side of dental care for people with diabetes

Along with helping prevent those negative conditions outlined above, there are some real benefits to taking care of your teeth.

Studies reveal that deep cleaning at a dental office can decrease blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes in three to four months by nearly the same level as adding a second oral anti-diabetic medication.

And for those who may have some periodontal disease, treating it significantly improves blood sugar levels. It’s important to note that this is compared to no treatment or routine care.

So, it’s not just avoiding negative things that can adversely impact your health — taking care of your teeth and gums can actually help you be healthier!

Healthy mouth, healthier days

How people with diabetes take care of their teeth isn’t very different from those who don’t. The big difference is that people with diabetes need to be much more mindful and disciplined in taking care of their oral health.

So, if you or someone you love has diabetes, take care of any dental issues as they occur and communicate with your primary care doctor and dentist regularly. With mindful practice, you can help manage your oral health and your diabetes so you can continue living your best life.

And that’s a reason to smile!

In the market for dental insurance?

If you or a loved one are shopping for dental insurance, look for coverage that:

Has no annual maximum on the cash benefits you can receive
Has no deductible
Gives you the freedom to see any dentist — and enjoy savings from network providers
Provides immediate benefits for preventive and basic care
Pays benefits for a wide range of dental procedures … from cleanings and fillings, to crowns, root canals, and dentures
Has guaranteed acceptance regardless of your dental health