Take Charge of Your Diabetes for Better Oral Health

November is Diabetes Awareness Month.

Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body turns food into energy. It occurs when your blood sugar is too high. Over time, it can result in issues with the heart, eyes, and kidneys, and increase the risk of other health problems. As of 2021, an estimated 38 million adults, 18 years or older, in the United States had diabetes. This is just over 14 percent of all U.S. adults (CDC).

This health observance aims to raise awareness about diabetes, promote healthy lifestyle choices that can help prevent or manage it, and encourage people to get screened.

How Diabetes Can Affect Your Oral Health

If you are living with diabetes, you may have heard that it is very important to take extra care of your oral health. If your blood sugar is not under control, you are more likely to develop problems in your mouth, such as fungal infections and harmful bacteria, which can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.

Below are ways diabetes can affect your mouth and why it is important to take extra care of your oral hygiene, from the American Dental Association.

The mouth produces less saliva. Saliva helps neutralize the acids produced by cavity-causing bacteria. Less saliva can increase the risk of tooth decay. Click here to learn how saliva protects your oral health.
People with diabetes often find their gums sensitive or sore. Some people may notice their gums bleed when they brush or floss. These are possible signs of early gum disease. Serious gum disease can damage the gums and bone structure that hold your teeth.
Diabetes can affect the body’s ability to heal. This can make it hard for sores or cuts inside the mouth to heal.

Take Steps to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

Diabetes can affect your teeth, gums, and the entire mouth. The good news is you can have a healthy mouth with a good home oral care routine and by visiting your dentist regularly.

Many dentists recommend that their diabetic patients practice proper daily oral hygiene to prevent dental disease. Follow the steps listed below to help keep your mouth healthy.

Brush your teeth twice a day. Brush gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste for at least two minutes. Brushing too hard can irritate your gums.
Floss at least once a day. This helps remove plaque in between your teeth and under the gumline. It can help lower the risk of gum disease.
Clean your dentures daily. If you wear partial or full dentures, cleaning them can help remove food particles and bacteria that may accumulate on them.
Make all dental visits a priority. Visit your dental provider for routine dental exams. Work with your dentist to manage dental and gum issues to protect your oral and overall health.

Additional Steps for a Healthy Mouth and a Healthy Body

Follow the steps listed below to maintain good oral and overall health.

Follow a healthy eating plan. Eating the right foods as part of a healthy eating plan can help lower and maintain good glucose levels. It is important to limit foods and drinks with added sugars.
Avoid or quit tobacco use. Tobacco use increases the risk of gum disease. It can also slow down the healing process of the gums. Talk to your dentist or doctor for ways to quit. You can also call 1-866-NEW-LUNG (1-866-639-5864) for free quit smoking services in Orange County.

Take Charge of Your Diabetes for Better Oral Health

Good diabetes management helps keep your gums healthy. Healthy gums support better blood sugar control. Managing your diabetes and making healthy lifestyle choices can help improve your oral health and quality of life, resulting in a healthy and bright smile.