Managing diabetes involves monitoring your blood sugar, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying active. But many people don’t realize that diabetes can also take a serious toll on your oral health.
At American Dental Clinic in San Diego, California, Emmanuel Aguilar, DMD, and our team work with patients who live with diabetes to protect their teeth and gums from the complications this condition can cause. Understanding the connection between diabetes and oral health helps you take steps to prevent problems before they start.
Poorly controlled blood sugar levels affect your entire body, including your mouth. High glucose levels in your saliva create an ideal environment for harmful bacteria to thrive, leading to various dental problems. Here are five ways diabetes can damage your oral health:
Diabetes makes you more susceptible to periodontal disease, a serious gum infection that can damage the soft tissue and bone supporting your teeth. High blood sugar weakens your immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off bacteria in your mouth.
Gum disease often starts with gingivitis, causing red, swollen, and bleeding gums. Left untreated, it progresses to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss. People with diabetes are two to three times more likely to develop gum disease than those without the condition.
If you need dental work, diabetes can complicate your recovery. High blood sugar levels slow your body’s natural healing process, meaning wounds in your mouth take longer to close and are more prone to infection.
This is why it’s crucial to keep your blood sugar under control before and after any dental procedure.
Many people with diabetes experience dry mouth, a condition in which the salivary glands don’t produce enough saliva. Saliva plays a vital role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids that cause tooth decay.
Without adequate saliva, you face a higher risk of cavities and tooth decay. Dry mouth can also make it uncomfortable to eat, speak, or wear dentures.
The high glucose levels in your saliva feed bacteria and encourage fungal growth. This creates the perfect conditions for oral thrush, a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of Candida yeast.
Thrush appears as white or red patches on your tongue, inner cheeks, or roof of your mouth. These patches can be painful and may bleed when you brush your teeth or eat. Those who wear dentures face an even higher risk of developing thrush.
Diabetes can alter your sense of taste, making foods seem less flavorful or leaving an unpleasant metallic taste in your mouth. This happens because high blood sugar levels can damage your taste buds and the nerves responsible for detecting different flavors.
The good news is that controlling your blood sugar levels can help prevent these oral health problems. Regular dental checkups are essential; we recommend visiting our office at least twice a year for teeth cleanings and dental exams.
During your visits, let us know about your diabetes and any medications you take. We work with you to develop a preventive care plan that keeps your mouth healthy. Between appointments, brush twice daily, floss regularly, and monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your doctor.
If you have diabetes and are concerned about your oral health, our team at American Dental Clinic can help. Call our office to schedule an appointment or book your visit online today.
