Dental Health Problems and Diabetes

Medically reviewed by: Dr. Tom Babu, Medical Director, Consultant Diabetologist & Endocrinologist - Written by Jasni Salim - Updated on 28/06/2024

People with diabetes know it can harm their eyes, nerves, kidneys, heart, and other important body parts. But did you know it can also cause dental health problems?

Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease which is an infection of the gums and bones that hold your teeth. Gum disease can cause pain, bad breath, trouble chewing, and even tooth loss. Diabetes also makes it harder for your body to heal which make gum disease treatment more difficult.

Other dental health problems caused by diabetes include dry mouth and thrush. Dry mouth happens when you do not have enough saliva which can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. Smoking makes these issues worse. Thrush is a fungal infection that causes painful white patches in your mouth. Diabetes can raise the sugar levels in your saliva which can lead to thrush.

Causes

If your diabetes is not well controlled, you are more likely to have mouth problems. Also, having gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar.

Symptoms

If you have diabetes, make sure to check your mouth regularly for problems as diabetes and tooth decay are interconnected with each other. Some people notice their gums are swollen and bleed when they brush and floss. Others notice dryness, soreness, white patches, or a bad taste in their mouth. If you see any of these signs, visit a dentist.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the problem you have. For gum disease, a dentist might do a deep cleaning or refer you to a gum specialist for surgery. They might also give you a special mouth rinse.

To treat thrush, a dentist or doctor may prescribe medicine to kill the fungus. If you wear dentures, you might need a special cleaning solution.

For dry mouth, a doctor or dentist might prescribe medicine to keep your mouth wet. 

Why Do People with Diabetes Have More Oral Health Problems?

The link between diabetes and tooth decay is high blood sugar. If your blood sugar is not well controlled, you are more likely to have dental problems. This is because unmanaged diabetes weakens white blood cells which help fight infections in the mouth.

Studies show that controlling blood sugar levels reduces the risk of complications in major organs like the eyes, heart, and nerves. Similarly, managing diabetes will help prevent oral health problems.

What Oral Health Problems are Linked to Diabetes?

People with diabetes have a higher risk of the following:

• Dry mouth: Unmanaged diabetes can reduce saliva which causes dry mouth. This can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay.
• Gum inflammation (gingivitis) and periodontitis: Diabetes can thicken blood vessels which slow nutrient flow and waste removal in the body, including the mouth. This weakens the body's ability to fight infections which lead to more frequent and severe gum disease.
• Poor healing of oral tissues: People with unmanaged diabetes heal slowly after oral surgery or dental procedures due to reduced blood flow to the treatment area.
• Thrush: Frequent antibiotic use and high glucose levels in saliva can cause fungal infections in the mouth and tongue. Wearing dentures constantly can also lead to these infections.
• Burning mouth and/or tongue: This condition is caused by thrush.

People with diabetes who smoke are at a much higher risk which is up to 20 times more likely than non-smokers to develop thrush and gum disease. Smoking also reduces blood flow to the gums which can slow down healing.

Oral Health Tips

Good blood sugar control is essential for preventing mouth problems. People with poor blood sugar control get gum disease more often and more severely than those with well-controlled diabetes. If you have diabetes, make sure to do the following:

• Control your blood sugar: This is key to preventing mouth problems.
• Brush twice a day and floss regularly: This helps keep your mouth healthy.
• Visit your dentist for routine check-ups: Let them know you have diabetes.
• Tell your dentist if your dentures do not fit well or if your gums are sore: They can help you find solutions.
• Quit smoking: Smoking makes gum disease worse. Your doctor or dentist can help you quit.

How Can You Prepare for Dental Work?

High blood sugar increases the risk of infections after mouth surgery and can make healing take longer. Tell your doctor if you will be having oral surgery or other major dental work. To prepare for and heal after the procedure, ask your doctor:

• How often to check your blood sugar before and after the procedure: This helps you manage your levels.
• If you need to change your medicines: Ask about changing the dose or timing of your medication.
• How to treat any soreness after the procedure: Get advice on the best ways to manage pain and discomfort.

Conclusion

Seeing a dentist regularly is very important if you have cavities and diabetes. Learn as much as you can about managing your dental care and your diabetes. This knowledge helps you work closely with your dentist to maintain good oral health and avoid complications. Regular checkups allow your dentist to spot and treat any issues early which prevent more serious problems. By staying informed and proactive, you can better manage both your cavities and diabetes which ensue that you stay as healthy as possible.

If you think you have dental problems associated with diabetes, you can visit Silverline Hospital, best diabetes hospital in Kerala, where a group of diabetologists and dentists work together to solve diabetes related oral problems. We focus on improving the look and health of your mouth and offer dental care for diabetic patients. We take a holistic approach to diabetes care, not just treating the symptoms. Simply using medicines or insulin injections is not enough. We provide full support to help our patients live healthy lives. Our diabetes doctors offer personalized treatment for each patient. We have the best diabetologists to diagnose and manage diabetes at any stage. Our efficient team for diabetes management includes specialist doctors, dietitians, physiotherapists, and psychotherapists in India. So get ready to book an appointment for your diabetes and tooth problems.