Diabetes and Dental Health

What to Know About the Link Between Diabetes and Dental Issues

For those patients who have diabetes, it is not uncommon for blood sugar to be one of their top concerns. While this is a serious part of having this condition, diabetes patients should be concerned about something else as well – their oral health. Diabetes has been linked to many dental problems, which is why it is important for patients to practice good oral hygiene in order to prevent gum and tooth problems before they occur. Here is what you need to know about diabetes and dental issues.

Link Between Diabetes and Dental Health

One of the main characteristics of diabetes is that the body does not properly process sugar, which can lead to a wide variety of issues, many of which require the close attention of both patients and their doctors. Patients who have diabetes are often at higher risk for developing tooth decay and gum disease due to the higher level of glucose in their saliva – this can also lead to an increased buildup of plaque on patients’ teeth. For these patients, the presence of gum disease is much more common, often more severe and can take a longer time to heal than the average patient.

Dental Issues Facing Diabetes Patients

Aside from tooth decay and gum disease, there are a number of other dental issues that diabetes patients face. Some of the most common conditions these patients experience include:

• Dry mouth
• Bad breath
• Periodontal disease

The presence of diabetes has been linked to an increased likelihood of patients experiencing dry mouth, which also makes them a likely candidate for bad breath. Dry mouth can cause other issues as well including infections and ulcers in the mouth and increased cavities in teeth.

How Diabetes Patients Can Prevent Dental Issues

For those patients who have diabetes, there is often nothing more important than maintaining a stable blood sugar. It is important for patients to stick with their diet and medicine routines to help maintain these levels, not just for their overall health but for their oral health as well. In addition to maintaining this, it is also important to practice proper oral hygiene including brushing and flossing on a daily basis. Diabetes patients should also consider using toothpastes that are meant to help prevent tartar and plaque buildup as well as those that fight bad breath and gingivitis.

If you have questions about your dental health as a diabetes patient, you can always consult your dentist and even sign up for our New Hampshire Individual Discount Dental Plan to save as much as 20 percent on all your dental bills. For more information, please click here.

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