How Diabetes Affects your Oral Health and your General Health

Diabetes, which causes high blood sugar, can make it harder to keep your mouth healthy. If you have diabetes, learn how you can avoid oral health problems and keep a smile on your face. Taking good care of your mouth is essential to general health and well-being—it even affects your self-esteem.

Good oral health habits can help prevent pain and infections from tooth and Gum disease. If you have Diabetes, taking care of your teeth and gums is even more important. High blood sugar can weaken white blood cells. These are your body’s main ways to fight infections that can occur in the mouth. By managing your Diabetes, you manage more than your blood sugar—you’re helping to prevent Gum Disease and other infections in your mouth. If the sugar level is high in your blood, it’s high in your saliva too. Bacteria in plaque, a sticky film, use sugar as food. Some of these bacteria can cause tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease. If the tooth is not treated, it can also lead to tooth loss.

There is a two-way relationship between Gum Disease and Diabetes. Gum Disease can be more severe and take longer to heal if you have Diabetes and if you have Gum disease your Diabetes may also be harder to manage. Treating your Gum disease may help to lower your blood sugar over time. Carefully follow your Diabetes schedule. Keep regular dental visits for professional cleanings, X rays, and checkups.

Important oral health tips for Diabetes

• Brush teeth and gum twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Floss your teeth or use an interdental cleaner once a day.
• Keep your dentist informed about your diabetes
• If your gums are red, swollen, or bleed easily see your dentist as these may
• be signs of Gum Disease. Other signs include dry mouth, loose teeth, or mouth pain.
• If you smoke, quit. Smoking increases your risk of Gum Disease and can worsen your Diabetes.

Additional Cleaning for People with Diabetes

Managing Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes requires comprehensive care. Good oral hygiene can positively impact your diabetes management and good diabetes management has a positive impact on your gum health. That’s why DeCare is offering an extra gum health cleaning for individuals with diabetes*. These cleanings not only enhance oral health but also contribute to better blood sugar control, fostering overall health and wellbeing.

Activate your benefit today

*(Available on TeamCare Level 3/3+ only)