Diabetes and Your Mouth: Keep Your Smile Healthy
Your mouth is home to millions of germs1—and those germs have a sweet tooth. When blood sugar is high, germs grow more easily. That’s one reason why people with diabetes are prone to getting periodontal (gum) disease.2 If you have diabetes, you need to take especially good care of your teeth and gums.
Gum Disease
The bacteria in your mouth form a sticky, naturally occurring substance called plaque. Plaque builds up on your teeth—especially along the gum line—unless you brush and floss regularly. If ignored, the plaque eventually hardens into tartar, the gritty stuff your dentist scrapes off when cleaning your teeth. Both plaque and tartar can eat away at your teeth and lead to infection in your gums.2
Early gum disease is called gingivitis. Gums can become swollen, red, and prone to bleeding. If left untreated, gingivitis can lead to a severe infection of the gums called periodontitis. It can cause the bone that holds your teeth in place to break down. You may notice bad breath, loose teeth, and pus when you press on the gums.3 Periodontitis may also increase the risk for cardiovascular disease by causing inflammation in the body.4
Other Problems
Diabetes makes it easier to get other kinds of mouth infections, too.2 Swelling, pain when you chew, or sensitivity to hot, cold, or sweet foods can be signs of infection. White or red patches can signal a fungal infection called thrush. Thrush can be triggered by having high blood glucose, taking antibiotics, smoking, or wearing dentures that don’t fit well.5
Keep Your Smile Bright
Protect your teeth and gums with these simple steps:
Keep your blood glucose controlled.2
Brush your teeth twice a day using fluoride toothpaste. Gently brush all tooth surfaces and along the gum line.6
Floss at least once a day. Flossing cleans plaque that your toothbrush can’t reach.6
Get regular dental cleanings and checkups. Be sure to let your dentist know that you have diabetes.2
Call your dentist if you notice bleeding gums, a swollen or sore area, or pain or sensitivity while eating.5
If you need dental work, ask your doctor whether you need to take an antibiotic to prevent infection. While your mouth is healing, keep your blood glucose under control. Talk with your doctor about whether you need to check your blood glucose more often or change your diabetes medication.2
1 “The Use and Handling of Toothbrushes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov/oralhealth/infectioncontrol/factsheets/toothbrushes.htm Accessed 2010.
2 “Diabetes: Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/3069.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.
3 “Disease, Gum (Diseases, Periodontal): Frequently Asked Questions.” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/3063.aspx?currentTab=1 Accessed 2010.
4 “Inflammation and Factors That May Regulate Inflammatory Response.” T.E. Van Dyke and K. Kornman. Journal of Periodontology. 2008, vol. 79, no. 8s, pp. 1503–07.
5 “More on the Mouth.” American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/diabetes-and-more-about-oral-health-and-oral-hygiene.jsp Accessed 2010.
6 “Cleaning Your Teeth and Gums.” Oral Health Topics, American Dental Association. www.ada.org/2624.aspx Accessed 2010.