Dental Health And Diabetes

Taking care of your teeth and gums is a crucial part of your diabetes management plan. Award-winning dental hygienist Tabitha Acret explains how you can put your best tooth forward

- Tabitha Acret

Poor oral health conditions and diabetes go hand in hand and there is an inextricable and often overlooked link between the two. Individuals who have diabetes are at greater risk of developing tooth decay and gum disease due to high levels of blood pressure and the increased ratio of saliva glucose. Bacteria feeds and thrives off sugar, so we have to protect those pearly whites in the process. Here are seven things you need to know about dental health.

An increased risk

Managing your blood glucose levels, or not, has a profound effect on not only your overall health but your oral health. For people with poor blood glucose management there is greater potential for bacteria growth, which ultimately increases the risk of infection. One of these infections is known as periodontitis – a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the supporting structures of the teeth (i.e. your gums and jaw bone).

Through extensive research, diabetes has been confirmed as a key contributor to the development of periodontal (gum) disease, as well as the severity of the condition. There is a two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease; diabetes increases the risk of periodontal disease and periodontal disease can also negatively affect glycaemic control. For people who are already suffering with both, and do not seek treatment for the inflammation, their blood glucose levels will not be well managed. At-home oral care plays a significant role as well, brushing and flossing consistently to ensure cleanliness of the mouth after every meal.