According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 40 million American adults have diabetes.[1] This common condition can negatively affect many body parts if left uncontrolled, including the teeth and gums. In fact, gum health, diabetes, and tooth decay are closely intertwined.
This is why it is important to visit your periodontal office regularly, as their dental team can help you understand what steps you can take to maintain your healthy smile while managing your diabetes.
What Is Gum Disease?
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, occurs when your gums become inflamed. There’s more than one stage of gum disease, but in the severe form, it can lead to tooth loss.
Periodontal diseases develop because plaque forms on the teeth. When you brush your teeth and floss, you remove this sticky film of bacteria. When it’s not removed, it causes an infection in the gum and causes your gum to pull away from the teeth. Eventually, it results in the formation of pockets along the gums and bone where bacteria further collect.
These pockets, along with a hardened plaque called tartar, are difficult to remove. The debris sits on teeth and under the gums, further advancing the periodontal disease. If untreated, it can damage the supporting tissues, gums, and bone.
Gum Health, Diabetes, and Their Relationship
Since everything in the human body is connected, it’s unsurprising that people with diabetes need to be more proactive about their teeth and gum health. Diabetes disrupts the body’s ability to manage blood sugar levels, which can greatly affect overall health, especially oral health.
When it comes to gum health, diabetes can increase your risk of developing periodontal disease. The risk increases because of high blood sugar and a compromised immune system. Higher glucose levels in your mouth contribute to bacterial growth, inflammation, and infection of the gums.
Other common issues triggered by diabetes are:
- Tooth decay
- Oral ulcers
- Gum abscesses
- Dry mouth
- Thrush
- Lichen planus (inflammatory, autoimmune skin condition)
- Bad breath
- Changes in taste
You can prevent these problems from developing with proper diabetes management.
Managing Your Diabetes and Gum Disease
Diabetes and gum disease affect each other. Managing your diabetes can prevent gum disease from developing or worsening. Furthermore, studies show that treatment of gum disease may also make it easier to keep your blood sugar at a reasonable level, reducing the chance of gum disease progressing to the next stage. These tips will help you manage your condition and reduce your risk of further oral inflammation.
Control Blood Sugar Levels
Follow the recommendations of your primary care physician and take your diabetes-related medicine as directed. Altering your diet to include more nutritional foods and incorporating more exercise can help lower your blood sugar levels, which can help prevent oral bacterial infections and tooth decay.
Avoid Acidic Drinks
Acidic drinks are bad for everyone, not just those trying to manage their diabetes. People with diabetes already have a higher chance of developing tooth decay, so drinking energy drinks or soda can accelerate pre-existing enamel breakdown.
Quit Smoking
When you smoke, your body can’t handle the sugar in your blood the right way because of the nicotine. Therefore, giving up tobacco products makes it easier to control blood sugar. Quitting smoking also means you’re less likely to get infections in your mouth, and you’ll notice that things smell and taste better, too.
Adopt Proper Oral Hygiene Habits
Brush your teeth twice a day using a soft-bristled brush and gentle strokes. Hold the toothbrush at an angle to ensure you get under the gum line. Brushing twice daily for four full minutes removes the plaque contributing to gum disease. Don’t forget to brush your tongue for a few seconds, too. This helps control bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
Additionally, flossing twice daily helps reach the parts of your tooth that a toothbrush misses. Gently slide the floss up and down and back and forth to remove debris and keep your gums healthy.
Schedule Routine Dental Appointments
See your periodontist for routine dental care. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends visits at least twice yearly. However, patients with diabetes may benefit from additional visits, especially if their gums show signs of inflammation. People with diabetes often need a cleaning every three months, but it all depends on their gum health.[2]
Get Help Managing Your Oral Health With Routine Dental Visits
If you need help managing your gum health, visiting a periodontist may help. Schedule a consultation with Dental Implants & Periodontal Health of Rochester. Call us at 585-685-2005 to learn more.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/php/data-research/index.html
[2] https://diabetes.org/health-wellness/keeping-your-mouth-healthy
