1. Is there a link between Diabetes and Gum disease?
Yes. Diabetes is in fact a major risk factor for periodontitis (severe gum disease).
2. What are the most common oral problems from diabetes?
· Gingivitis (mild form of gum disease: red swollen bleeding gum)
· Periodontitis (moderate to severe form of gum disease: red swollen bleeding gum, changes in the fit of denture, bad breath, gingival recession, loose teeth, infection)
· Thrush (sore red or white patches on your gums, tongue, cheek and on the roof of the mouth), sometimes those patches turn into open sores
· Dry mouth (dry feeling in your mouth, difficulty chewing, eating and swallowing)
3. Why people with diabetes are more prone to gum diseases and decay?
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause levels of glucose to rise in the saliva and this creates a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and dental decay.
4. How can I help manage this at home?
· Keeping blood sugar level under control is a good start
· Antiseptic mouthwash can be helpful but thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are essential
· If you wear a denture, clean it everyday
· Visit your dentist regularly and have regular professional cleans
5. How can dentists help you fight diabetes?
Studies have shown that treating gum diseases can improve blood sugar control by having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist/hygienist can help to lower your HbA1c (a lab test that shows your blood sugar level).
Yes. Diabetes is in fact a major risk factor for periodontitis (severe gum disease).
2. What are the most common oral problems from diabetes?
· Gingivitis (mild form of gum disease: red swollen bleeding gum)
· Periodontitis (moderate to severe form of gum disease: red swollen bleeding gum, changes in the fit of denture, bad breath, gingival recession, loose teeth, infection)
· Thrush (sore red or white patches on your gums, tongue, cheek and on the roof of the mouth), sometimes those patches turn into open sores
· Dry mouth (dry feeling in your mouth, difficulty chewing, eating and swallowing)
3. Why people with diabetes are more prone to gum diseases and decay?
Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can cause levels of glucose to rise in the saliva and this creates a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and dental decay.
4. How can I help manage this at home?
· Keeping blood sugar level under control is a good start
· Antiseptic mouthwash can be helpful but thoroughly brushing your teeth twice a day and flossing are essential
· If you wear a denture, clean it everyday
· Visit your dentist regularly and have regular professional cleans
5. How can dentists help you fight diabetes?
Studies have shown that treating gum diseases can improve blood sugar control by having professional deep cleanings done by your dentist/hygienist can help to lower your HbA1c (a lab test that shows your blood sugar level).
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