More than 2.8 million Texans have diabetes, approximately 14% of the adult population. Diabetes occurs when the body has a hard time processing sugars. Diabetes affects the entire body, including the mouth. Learn how this disease impacts oral health and how you can protect your smile from the complications of diabetes. 

Diabetes and the Mouth- How High Blood Sugar Affects the Smile

Diabetes lowers the body’s ability to fight infection and bacteria. The mouth is a hotspot for bacteria, and if left unchecked, this bacteria can turn into inflammation and infection. Gum disease is a common problem across the U.S. population. It is also a potential complication from diabetes. 

When blood sugar levels are high in the body, there is more sugar found in the saliva. This feeds the plaque-causing bacteria in the mouth, causing them to multiply and increase. In time gum disease develops, eroding your dental health, and potentially leading to serious dental complications like tooth loss. 

Gum disease and diabetes each negatively affect the other, causing both to spiral out of control if you aren’t careful. Diabetes increases periodontal disease, and in turn, periodontal disease increases blood sugar, which then increases periodontal disease, over and over again. Gum disease is often more severe and takes longer to heal in patients with diabetes. 

Gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults, so any disease that can increase its likelihood and severity is a serious risk for your smile. If you have diabetes, talk to your dentist and make a plan. You can have a healthy smile with diabetes, but it will require diligent effort. 

I Have Diabetes. How Can I Protect My Smile?

If you have diabetes, get friendly with your dentist. The truth is, caring for your teeth with diabetes is very similar to caring for your teeth without the disease. You’ll need regular dental visits and consistent at-home care. If you have diabetes, managing your disease will offer important benefits to both your physical and oral health. 

• Control Your Blood Sugar- If you have diabetes, getting your blood sugar under control should be a top priority. When blood sugar is well controlled, diabetes complications are far less likely to occur. Work with your doctor to create a diet, exercise, medication, and lifestyle plan. 
• Don’t Smoke- Smoking compounds the oral health challenges of diabetes. It increases the risk of gum disease, increases plaque and build up on the teeth, and slows healing after dental treatments and oral surgeries. Smokers often find it more difficult to control their blood sugar. 
• Take Care of Your Teeth- Brush, floss, and visit your dentist regularly to maintain oral health. We typically recommend brushing your teeth at least 2x daily, flossing daily, and visiting your dentist every six months. Ask your dentist what you should be doing to maintain your oral health with diabetes.

Diabetes and Tooth Loss

Diabetes is a risk factor for tooth loss. It can also make treating tooth loss more difficult. Uncontrolled diabetes can increase the risk of dental implant failure. If you have tooth loss and diabetes, schedule a consultation at our Austin, TX oral surgery practice to explore your options for smile restoration. Call 512-327-7233 to schedule your consultation.