5 Best Ways for Diabetics to Maintain a Healthy Mouth

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SaludToday Guest Blogger
Jefferson Dental Clinics

Latinos are 1.6 times more likely than Whites to be diagnosed with diabetes.

That’s bad news for Latino health throughout the body—including the mouth, as diabetics are at higher risk of gum disease and tooth loss.

“The mouth connects to health throughout the body,” said Dr. Leslie Townsend, regional dental director for Jefferson Dental Clinics. “Numerous illnesses show symptoms in the mouth first; and life-threatening diseases like heart disease, stroke and kidney disease are all connected to poor oral health. Without control, diabetes patients risk serious long-term effects on their whole health.”

Here’s the problem: diabetes results in high glucose levels in the saliva. Elevated blood sugar levels fuel the bacteria that produces acid that erodes tooth enamel. Diabetes also reduces your body’s ability to fight infection and increases its levels of inflammation, both of which affect the gums and soft tissues of the mouth.

As a result, those with inadequate control of blood sugar develop periodontal disease more frequently and severely, and lose more teeth due to inability to fight infection.

Townsend suggests five oral health tips for diabetics:

Monitor signs of gum disease. Symptoms include: red, swollen and tender gums; bleeding gums; receding gum line; persistent bad breath; bad taste in the mouth, pus between the teeth and gums; shifting teeth or change in how teeth fit together when you bite; changes in how partial dentures fit.

Keep up with your daily oral health routine. Brush twice daily brushing, floss, and rinse with an antiseptic mouthwash.

Visit your dentist every six months for a regular exam, x-rays and cleaning, or immediately if you notice signs of gum disease. This is a time to screen for potential issues and learn how to control the oral effects of diabetes.

Monitor and control your blood sugar. A controlled blood sugar helps regulate the sugar in the mouth, thereby reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum infections.

Stay hydrated. Diabetes can impair the salivary functions of the mouth, allowing bacteria to grow uncontrolled for a longer period.

“Good oral health is integral for maintaining good health overall,” Townsend said. “Your dentist can be a life line in detecting and controlling fatal diseases and their outcomes, before it’s too late.”