Diabetes and oral health
People with diabetes may be at increased risk of oral health problems. Maintaining good oral health should be an important part of managing diabetes.
Oral health issues linked with diabetes
- Increased susceptibility to gum disease which can in turn worsen blood sugar control
- Slow healing after extractions or oral surgery
- Oral infections including fungal infections such as thrush
- Dry mouth and taste impairment
Tell your oral health professional
- you have diabetes
- if you have trouble keeping your blood sugar levels under control
- if you notice changes in your mouth, such as patches of whitish-coloured skin
- if there have been any changes to your medical history
- the names of any medications you are taking, prescription and over-the-counter drugs
- if you smoke - smokers have higher levels of gum disease, caused by poor blood circulation in the tissues around their teeth
How you can improve your oral health
- Seek help to QUIT smoking - people with diabetes who smoke have a greater chance of severe gum problems than people with diabetes who don't smoke
- Look for early signs of gum disease such as bright red gums that bleed easily when touched or brushed
- Follow your healthy eating plan and take prescribed medications as instructed by your doctor
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush. Clean between teeth daily using dental floss and/or interdental brushes.
- Keep a good denture care routine
- Visit your oral health professional regularly, book your appointments for the morning when your insulin level is more stable
