Gum disease, also known as gingivitis, is the fifth complication of diabetes after heart, nerve, kidney, and eye disease. Gingivitis is simply inflammation of the gums around the teeth caused by plaque buildup.
Why are you at higher risk of developing gingivitis if you have diabetes? Diabetes educator Sue Cotey, RN, clarifies this question.
Gum disease starts with the buildup of bacteria on and around the teeth, which spreads to the gums. Cotey speaks there is no difference between the bacteria cutting-edge the mouths of diabetics and diabetics without diabetes. “The reason gum disease gets worse in diabetics is that they have a stronger inflammatory response to these bacteria,” she explains.
Why gum disease complicates blood sugar control
If gum disease is left untreated, it leads to periodontitis or jaw erosion, which can lead to loose tusks and gum damage. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more prone to periodontal disease than the average population or people with controlled diabetes.
Some signs of gum disease are:
- Red, swollen and/or bleeding gums.
- Loose or sensitive teeth.
- persistent bad breath
If you have diabetes and moderately advanced periodontal disease, it may be harder for you to control your blood sugar. “Depending on how advanced your gum disease is, you might need a deep cleaning, antibiotics, or even oral surgery,” Cotey says.
In her 25 years as a diabetes educator, Cotey has seen firsthand the connection between gum health and diabetes control. “I have often seen the blood glucose levels of people with diabetes who go to the dentist and face ongoing problems related to gum disease or inflammation rise almost immediately,” says Ella Cotey.
5 Tips to prevent gum disease
Follow these tips to avoid gum disease:
- Avoid acidic drinks such as soda, energy drinks, and lemon water. These can attack tooth enamel, which can lead to cavities.
- Floss between your teeth daily, gently gliding up and down and back and forth to avoid bleeding.
- Brush your teeth and gum line for binary minutes twice a day. Use a toothbrush with soft bristles and gentle strokes to reach all your teeth. The goal is to remove plaque buildup. To do this, stroke the brush over the tooth surface, gum line, and gums.
- Don’t forget to gently brush your tongue for a few seconds to eliminate bacteria.
- Visit your dentist at least once yearly and report any of the above symptoms immediately.
Other oral problems if you have diabetes
People with diabetes are also likely to experience dry mouth from high blood sugar or medications. To prevent dry mouth, Cotey recommends chewing sugar-free gum, using mouth gel, or eating sugar-free candy to stimulate saliva production. “If that doesn’t help, talk to your dentist for recommendations,” she says.
And if you like having a white smile, you’re in luck! Cotey says that many over-the-counter teeth whiteners are gentle enough to be used by people with diabetes, too.
