Did you know that your oral health and type 2 diabetes are closely connected? Research has shown that diabetes can have a significant impact on your mouth and gums, and in turn, poor oral health can affect diabetes management.
At well:o, we’re passionate about supporting you with your overall health and wellness, so understanding this connection is essential. So, let’s explore the key points linking type 2 diabetes and oral health.
How Type 2 Diabetes affects your oral health
- Increased blood sugar levels: Higher blood sugar can lead to more glucose in your saliva, which feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. Consequently, this increases the risk of plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. According to the NIDCR, people with diabetes are more likely to experience oral health issues because high blood sugar weakens their immune system.
- Gum disease (Periodontitis): People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gum disease, as poor blood sugar control can lead to more severe and longer-lasting gum infections. According to Diabetes UK, gum disease is not only more common in those with diabetes but can also make it harder to manage blood sugar levels.
- Dry mouth: Diabetes can cause a reduction in saliva, leading to dry mouth (xerostomia). Hence, this can increase the likelihood of cavities and infections like oral thrush. As a result, a dry mouth can also make it harder for the mouth to wash away food and neutralise acids.
- Slow healing: Diabetes affects your body’s ability to heal wounds, including in the mouth. Subsequently, the BSP say this can mean that sores, ulcers, or infections in the mouth take longer to recover, increasing the risk of complications.
- Oral infections: According to the NIDCR, higher blood sugar levels can fuel the growth of yeast infections, like thrush, in the mouth. Unfortunately, thrush can cause white or red patches inside the mouth and can be painful.
Signs of poor oral health from diabetes
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Persistent bad breath or bad taste in the mouth
- Dry mouth or excessive thirst
- Painful chewing or loose teeth
- Mouth sores or white patches inside the mouth
If you experience these symptoms, we highly recommend visiting your dental hygienist to manage your diabetes and oral health more effectively.
How to prevent oral health problems from diabetes mismanagement
To manage both your diabetes and oral health, the NIDCR provide the following tips to reduce complications within your mouth.
1. Control blood sugar levels: Keeping your blood sugar within the target range is the most critical step in preventing oral health complications. Furthermore, stable blood sugar reduces the risk of gum disease, infections, and other oral issues.
2. Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste and floss your teeth twice a day to prevent the build-up of plaque.
3. Stay hydrated: Drinking water throughout the day can help alleviate dry mouth symptoms and reduce the risk of cavities.
4. Regular dental hygiene visits: People with diabetes should see their dental hygienist every 3-6 months, and more frequently if needed. Moreover, early detection of gum disease can help prevent its progression.
5. Stop smoking: Smoking worsens gum disease and affects blood sugar control. However, quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk of severe oral health problems.
Understanding the link between type 2 diabetes and oral health is crucial in managing both conditions effectively. Therefore, if you start noticing symptoms of gum disease, it’s essential to seek support from a diabetes nurse and a dental hygienist. Following this, we can develop a personalised plan to control blood sugar and maintain your oral health, preventing more severe complications down the line.
At well:o, we are bringing dental wellness to life. We’re here to make it easier to keep mouths healthy and happy. Check out our range of preventive hygiene treatments bespoke to each patient, by heading over to our treatment page.
