How to Protect Your Dental Health If You Have Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes affects more than your blood sugar?

If you have diabetes, you may already know that the condition can affect your heart, kidneys, eyes, nerves and other parts of your body. But there is another area that deserves attention: your mouth.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 40.1 million people in the United States have diabetes — about 1 in every 8 Americans. Even more surprising, more than 25% of adults with diabetes don’t know they have it.

Diabetes and your oral health are more closely connected than you might think. People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing periodontal (gum) disease. Diabetes can also contribute to dry mouth and oral infections, and it can slow the body’s healing process. When blood sugar isn’t well controlled, oral health problems may be more likely to develop or become more severe.

So, if you have diabetes, what can you do to protect your teeth and gums?

Here are 6 Ways to Protect Your Dental Health If You Have Diabetes

1. Keep Your Blood Sugar Under Control
   Keeping your blood glucose within the range recommended by your healthcare provider is important for your overall health — and it can benefit your oral health, too. People with poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and the disease may be more severe.

   There is also a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease: diabetes can increase your risk for periodontal disease, while having gum disease may make blood sugar more difficult to control. That makes taking care of your teeth and gums another important part of taking care of your overall health.

2. Pay Attention to Your Gums
   When was the last time you really looked at your gums? Healthy gums shouldn’t regularly bleed when you brush or floss. If your gums are red, swollen, tender or bleeding, don’t simply assume that’s normal. Other signs of gum disease can include: Persistent bad breath, receding gums, loose or sensitive teeth, pain or difficulty when chewing, or changes in the way your teeth fit together.

   People with diabetes are at higher risk for periodontal disease, so it’s especially important to tell your dentist if you notice changes in your gums. And remember — gum disease doesn’t always cause obvious symptoms in its early stages. Regular dental exams can help identify problems before they become more serious.

3. Understand Why Your Dentist May Recommend a Deep Cleaning
   If a “deep cleaning” is recommended, you may wonder why a regular cleaning isn’t enough. A deep cleaning, also called scaling and root planing, is different from a routine dental cleaning. It is a treatment for periodontal disease that involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gumline and smoothing the tooth roots. As gum disease progresses, the gums can pull away from the teeth and create deeper pockets where bacteria and tartar can collect. These areas can be difficult to clean thoroughly with regular brushing and flossing.

   If those pockets become too deep, your dentist may recommend scaling and root planing to treat the infection and help your gums become healthier. Having diabetes doesn’t automatically mean you’ll need a deep cleaning. However, because diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease, we will pay particular attention to your gum health during your regular exams.

   “One of the things we look at carefully when treating patients with diabetes is the health of their gums. Diabetes can increase the risk of periodontal disease, so regular exams are especially important. If we find inflammation or deeper pockets around the teeth, we may recommend a deep cleaning to get the gums back to a healthier state. From there, we’ll determine how often the patient should come in for ongoing care.” – Dr. Kyle Beffa – Beffa Dental

4. Don’t Skip Your Dental Visits
   If you have diabetes, don’t assume that everyone needs the same dental appointment schedule. Some people may do well with routine preventive visits, while others — particularly those with periodontal disease — may need to come in more frequently for periodontal maintenance and monitoring.

   After a deep cleaning, for example, Dr. Kyle will want to see how your gums are healing and may recommend ongoing visits to help keep gum disease under control. Our dental dental team will help you determine the right schedule based on your individual oral health, including your gum health, risk factors and treatment needs.

5. Keep Up With Your At-Home Routine
   Your dental health isn’t determined only by what happens in the dental chair. What you do at home every day matters, too. Make sure you’re: Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, cleaning between your teeth every day – flossing or using a WaterPik, following your dental team’s recommendations, and paying attention to any changes in your gums or mouth.

   Diabetes can also contribute to dry mouth. Saliva helps protect your teeth, so having less of it can increase your risk of tooth decay, soreness and other oral problems.If your mouth frequently feels dry, let us know. We can help you find ways to manage the problem and protect your teeth.

6. Let Us Know If You Have Diabetes
   It may seem obvious, but it’s important. Make sure our dental team knows that you have diabetes and tell them about any medications you’re taking and other health concerns that may affect your dental care. We may ask about your blood sugar control, how you monitor your blood sugar and your most recent A1C. This information can help us plan your appropriate care. And if you need a dental procedure, be sure to let Dr. Kyle know about your diabetes and any concerns you have about healing or managing your blood sugar.Your dental health and your overall health are truly connected.

Diabetes and Your Oral Health: It’s All Connected

Having diabetes doesn’t mean you’re destined to have dental problems. But it does mean that taking care of your teeth and gums requires a little extra attention.

Keeping your blood sugar under control, maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine and keeping up with regular dental visits can all help to protect your smile.

And please don’t wait until something hurts to schedule your visit. Gum disease may not cause obvious symptoms in its early stages, which is one reason regular dental exams are so important.

If you have diabetes and aren’t sure whether you’re getting the right type of dental care — or how often you should be coming in — please let us know. We’re here to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy at every stage of your life.

Just call us at (206) 242-0066 to schedule your appointment or reach out to us online!