Diabetes has a whole host of severe implications for the body. One important and often overlooked implication involves gum disease. In addition, oral health can have implications on a person with diabetes overall health making it harder to control their diabetes.

Statistics from the Canadian Diabetes Association reveal nearly one million people with diabetes live in Ontario, with more than 1,000 Ontarians being diagnosed every week. Dentists can help detect signs of diabetes by assessing oral health problems such as periodontal [gum] disease, tooth decay, fungal infections, taste impairment and delayed healing of infections.

Periodontal diseases are infections of the gum and bone that hold your teeth in place. Periodontal disease is often linked to the control of diabetes. For example, patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth than persons who have good control of their diabetes. It is possible to have periodontal disease and not have all of the warning signs. Because of lowered resistance and a longer healing process, periodontal diseases often appear to be more frequent and more severe among persons with diabetes.

That’s why good maintenance of blood sugar levels, a well-balanced diet that meets your need, good oral care at home, regular dental check-ups and periodontal examinations are important. Smokers with diabetes over the age of 45 are 20 times more likely to develop severe gum disease than a person without those risk factors. Diabetes can also cause other oral problems including thrush, dry mouth, oral infections, tooth decay, salivary gland dysfunction, lichen planus, and taste impairment.

• Thrush is a fungal infection that occurs in the mouth. People with diabetes may be more likely to get thrush because of high sugar levels in the saliva encourages the fungus to grow. Good diabetes control, no tobacco use, removal of and cleaning dentures daily help prevent thrush.
• Dry Mouth is often a symptom of undetected and untreated diabetes and can cause an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth. When there is not enough moisture in the mouth, ulcers, infections, soreness, increased plaque and tooth decay could result.
• Oral Infections of any kind can be serious as they make it difficult to control blood sugar levels. Oral infections may make chewing difficult causing a person with diabetes to select foods that are easier to chew, but not nutritionally appropriate.

What Can I Do?

Preventing gum disease may help you manage the conditions associated with diabetes, and good blood sugar control may help prevent gum disease. [A two-way relationship] Good brushing 2 times a day and good daily flossing combined with frequent professional dental cleanings is a great way to help prevent and control the progression of periodontal disease.