How Does Diabetes Affect My Oral Health?

Diabetes is a chronic condition that’s well-known for its effect on your blood sugar, but its impact doesn’t stop there. 

Diabetes affects all areas of your body from your eyes to your kidneys to your mouth. In fact, diabetes is a risk factor for several dental conditions, including gum disease (periodontitis) and cavities.

As a holistic family dentist, Dr. Ed Trizzino knows the interconnectedness of all of your body’s systems. Any chronic conditions you have can impact your oral health, too, but you don’t have to navigate these waters alone.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed with diabetes, or you need to learn about it because you’re caring for someone with the disease, we’ve got you covered.

Here, the team at Smiles of Atlanta explains how diabetes affects your oral health and how we can help you.

Diabetes makes it hard to fight oral infections

Elevated blood sugar levels can compromise your body's ability to fight infections, including those that affect your gums. Consequently, if you have diabetes, you may be more prone to gingivitis and periodontitis. 

Diabetes can lead to dry mouth and increased cavities

Diabetes can contribute to reduced saliva production, which then leads to dry mouth. Because saliva helps to neutralize acids and prevent tooth decay, a reduction in saliva can increase your risk of cavities. 

Diabetes can delay wound healing after procedures

Diabetes can impede your body's ability to heal efficiently after any procedure. After dental procedures or oral surgery, you may experience delayed recovery and an increased risk of complications. If you’re prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take the full course.

This is another example of why it’s so important to share your diabetes status on your health history forms.

Diabetes can increase your risk of fungal infections

Diabetics are more susceptible to fungal infections, including oral thrush. High blood sugar levels create an environment conducive to the growth of Candida albicans, a yeast that can lead to white, painful patches in the mouth. 

How to protect your oral health if you have diabetes

Brushing and flossing are the pillars of your at-home oral care routine and can go a long way toward preventing issues like cavities and gum disease. To make the most out of your routine, keep these tips in mind:

• Use a soft-bristled brush
• Hold your brush at a 45-degree angle
• Use toothpaste that has the American Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance
• Brush at least twice a day for a full two minutes
• Floss daily

In addition to revamping your at-home oral care routine, you can also protect your oral health by eating nutrient-dense foods, drinking plenty of water, and managing your blood sugar. 

Whether you manage your blood with diet and exercise and/or medication, it has a tremendous impact on your oral health.

If you smoke, consider quitting. Smoking can exacerbate both diabetes and oral health issues, and quitting promotes benefits in both areas of your health.

How we can help

As a holistic family dental care practice, the Smiles of Atlanta team knows that all parts of your body are interconnected.  If you have diabetes, be sure to let us know during your routine dental cleaning. 

During your exam, we can look for any red flags of conditions that warrant treatment, but you don’t need to wait for your routine cleaning to talk to us. If you notice any new symptoms, such as white patches in your mouth, toothaches, or bleeding gums, don’t brush it off. 

The sooner you seek dental care, the sooner you can get started with the right treatment. Whether you need a composite filling to halt the spread of decay, a mouthwash to help combat dry mouth, or treatment for gum disease, we have everything you need under one roof.

Questions? Give us a call at 770-407-8459 or book your next appointment online.