Table of Contents

• How Diabetes Affects Your Teeth
• Common Symptoms of Gum Disease and Diabetes
• 5 Steps to Prevent Gum Disease if You Have Diabetes

Recent statistics from the American Diabetes Association indicate that 37.3 million Americans, or 11.3% of the population, have diabetes. And more research has made a strong connection between diabetes and gum disease. In fact, research by the American Dental Association shows that people with diabetes are much more likely to develop gum disease than those without. Why? Diabetes can reduce the body’s ability to fight off infections, and this includes infections in the mouth. Plus, when diabetes isn’t well-managed, high blood sugar can make gum disease worse.

If you have diabetes or know someone who does, here are a few steps you can take to prevent gum disease and cavities from developing or getting worse. Your dentist should be a regular part of your care team to help you avoid the uncomfortable oral issues that diabetes can cause.

How Diabetes Affects Your Teeth

Diabetes can affect your mouth by changing your saliva. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by rinsing away pieces of food, preventing the growth of bacteria, and fighting the acids produced by bacteria. Diabetes and some of the medicines prescribed to manage it can reduce the amount of saliva, which increases the risk for dental cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss.

High blood sugar levels, often seen in uncontrolled diabetes, can also lead to diabetes and teeth problems. This includes the buildup of plaque, cavities, dry mouth, and even fungal infections. Gum disease, also called periodontal disease, is one of the most concerning teeth problems associated with diabetes.

Common Symptoms of Gum Disease and Diabetes

One of the more common symptoms of gum disease caused by diabetes can be persistent bad breath or a bad taste in the mouth. And because diabetes makes you more prone to gum disease, bad breath can sometimes be more prevalent if you have it.

If you’re a person with diabetes, it’s important to recognize the symptoms of gum disease early. Here are some other common signs:

• Red, swollen gums: If your gums look red and feel puffy, it might be an early sign of gum disease.
• Bleeding: Healthy gums shouldn’t bleed. If you notice blood while brushing or flossing, it’s a warning sign.
• Receding gums: Gums that are pulling away from your teeth or making your teeth appear longer are concerning.
• Loose teeth: Advanced gum disease can affect the bones holding your teeth. This might make your teeth feel loose.

5 Steps to Prevent Gum Disease if You Have Diabetes

The good news is that there are a number of simple things you can do to prevent the development of teeth and gum issues. These steps are also very important to take to prevent any issues from worsening:

1. Control Your Blood Sugar: The most important step is to manage your diabetes. Regular checkups, medication, and a healthy diet can help control your blood sugar levels.
2. Brush and Floss: Regular oral hygiene is vital. Brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
3. Get Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist every six months. They can spot early signs of gum disease and help keep your mouth healthy.
4. Avoid Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of gum disease, and it’s even riskier for people with diabetes.
5. Eat a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in vitamins and minerals, especially vitamin C and calcium, can help strengthen your gums and teeth.

For more than 25 years, Newtown Dentistry’s specialists have researched and stayed ahead of the correlations that have been made between poor oral health and prevalent health conditions and diseases. We’ve integrated a number of the latest diagnostic technologies in dental care to help our patients monitor the development of gum disease related to diabetes and associated conditions. Your regular checkup is more than regular as it includes a consultation with our experts about your personal oral condition and recommendations on the best ways to manage them.

Schedule your appointment now. Or, call us anytime at (215) 774-5496.