Diabetes & Dental Health
People with type 2 diabetes are three times more likely to develop dental problems than those without diabetes. The risk increases as your HBA1c rises (HBA1c is a long term marker of your average blood glucose levels).
Looking after your diabetes benefits your oral health and vice versa. So, eating less sugary foods helps control your blood glucose levels as well as reducing the risk of dental problems.
Higher levels of glucose can result in increased mouth bacteria and increased susceptibility to inflamed gums or even infection.
Poor dentition may discourage healthy food choices (i.e. if it is painful to eat and apple or bite a carrot then you are less likely to do this). Poor dentition also adversely impacts quality of life for people with diabetes.
Measures to improve your dental health (e.g. regular tooth brushing, dental check-ups and attention to areas of decay) have been shown to improve glycaemic control. Looking after your teeth is therefore extremely important for anyone with diabetes.
How to keep your mouth healthy (advice sourced from Diabetes UK website, see below)
- Brush twice a day – keep the plaque off by brushing your teeth regularly and flossing too.
- See your dentist – you need to book regular check-ups.
- Choose the right food and drink – follow a healthy, balanced diet which is low in sugar.
- Don’t smoke – smoking weakens your immune system and can stain your teeth, making it harder for you to fight a gum infection. And once you have gum disease, smoking makes it harder for your gums to heal. There is lots of support available to help with smoking cessation.
- Keep your dentures clean to help prevent oral thrush.
- If you are on a medication that requires this, check your blood sugars regularly and try to keep in your target range.
Sources of help
NHS Grampian Dental Services website contains useful information including the phone number for the dental advice line:
https://www.nhsgrampian.org/service-hub/dental-services/
https://www.mygov.scot/register-with-dentist
References
https://www.diabetes.org.uk/guide-to-diabetes/complications/gum-disease
D’Aiuto et al, British Dental Journal, 2017. DOI: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2017.544
Choi et al, Diabetes Care, 2020. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc19-1201