Diabetic Dental and Gum Care

People with diabetes are more than twice as likely to have gum disease as people without diabetes.¹ Both gum disease and gum infection are common diabetes complications. In fact, nearly one-third of people with diabetes have severe periodontal disease.¹ The key is to have regular dental checkups as well as a good home-care program.

Types Of Problems

In addition to tooth decay and gum disease, you may experience other problems which occur more often in people with diabetes:

Thrush or oral candidiasis is a fungal infection in the mouth that causes white or red spots on the tongue. It may cause soreness or a burning sensation in the mouth and may be the result of an increase in the amount of sugar in the saliva. Your dentist may prescribe an antifungal medication for treatment.²

Dry mouth (also called xerostomia) can not only be uncomfortable, it can be painful and lead to infection and tooth decay. Your dentist may recommend a saliva substitute, as well as fluoride treatments to help prevent tooth decay. You can help by using sugarless gum or mints, taking frequent sips of water or using ice chips. You may also want to limit your intake of caffeine and alcohol.³

Causes Of Gum Disease

• A higher level of sugar in the saliva may help bacteria thrive.³
• Diabetes can lead to dry mouth, which can contribute to infection and tooth decay.³
• Diabetes can reduce the body's resistance to infection, and make it harder for you to heal -- the tissues of your mouth and gums can be affected.³

Preventing Gum Disease

Gum disease is completely preventable. For healthy teeth and gums, make sure you:

• Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.³
• Floss daily³
• Have regular dental exams, as often as your dentist recommends.³
• Tell your dentist you have diabetes.²
• Eat a well balanced diet.³
• Keep your blood sugar in good control.³

When To Call Your Dentist

Call your dentist if you notice any of the following:²

• gums that bleed easily
• red, swollen or tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from your teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste in your mouth
• any loose teeth, or a change in the way it feels when you bit together
• a change in the way your dentures fit

¹ American Diabetes Association. "Complications of Diabetes in the United States." Available at http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics/complications.jsp. Accessed February 21, 2008.
² American Dental Association. "Diabetes and Oral Health." Available at http://www.ada.org/prof/resources/pubs/jada/patient/patient_18.pdf. Accessed March 10, 2008.
³ American Dental Association. "Diabetes and Your Oral Health: Frequently Asked Questions." Available at http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_faq.asp. Accessed March 10, 2008.