Dental health is important to everyone, but if you have certain health conditions, your oral hygiene is a higher concern. Diabetes is one such condition.

Good dental health is important to avoid complications with your teeth and gums if you have either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. People with diabetes are likely to develop dental health problems because they have less control over their blood glucose levels.

Why It’s an Issue

Prolonged high blood glucose levels can cause problems such as gum disease. Gum disease, also known as periodontitis, occurs when bacteria in the mouth forms into a sticky plaque that stays on the surface of your teeth. Unfortunately, as your body fights an infection, your blood glucose levels may rise in response. If the infection worsens, managing your diabetes can become harder. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:

• Bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Sore or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums

Also, if your gums are taking longer than usual to heal after a dental treatment such as a tooth extraction, you should contact your healthcare team for advice. High blood sugar levels can affect the rate that your gums heal.

Prevent Problems Before They Start

If you have diabetes, controlling blood sugar is the key to decreasing the risk of dental health problems. You can also decrease your risk by:

• Visiting the dentist every six months
• Eating a balanced diet
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking

If you are experiencing any strange dental symptoms, contact your dentist. If you have new onset or long-standing diabetes, please make sure to inform your dentist; it could change your treatment plan. Contact us to set up your next dental appointment.