Diabetes affects millions of Americans each year. It doesn't just cause problems in your body, it can also cause a host of oral health issues as well. Did you know that Periodontal disease is the most common dental disease of diabetics? In fact, one out of every five teeth lost is linked to diabetes (source: ADA).
Whether you have Type I or Type II diabetes, the outward result is the same – your body lacks the ability to produce and/or regulate insulin, which often results in elevated blood sugar levels. So how does this affect your mouth?
Since diabetics already have a reduced resistance to infection and tend to be slow healers, they are more prone to dental infections, which allows inflammation under the gumline caused by plaque and tartar to quickly progress into periodontal disease. Other contributing factors are elevated glucose levels (bacteria thrive on glucose in the saliva) and dry mouth caused by elevated glucose levels and/or medications (less saliva contributes to overgrowth of bacteria).
Keeping the above in mind, there is a reciprocal relationship that then forms between your mouth and your body. Poorly controlled glucose levels can contribute to oral infections (as well as infections in other parts of your body), which in turn causes glucose levels to rise.
Diabetics often work closely with their physician to help manage their condition, but don’t forget the dentist! Maintaining good oral care at home – brushing twice a day and flossing every day – and visiting us twice a year (in some cases more frequently, if needed) – is key.