It may come as a surprise to a great many of the more than 170 million people worldwide who suffer from Diabetes, that Diabetes is associated two ways with your oral hygiene and overall dental health. Not only does Diabetes make you a good candidate for serious gum disease, but likewise, people who have serious gum disease are at much higer risk of developing Diabetes.


If I Have Diabetes, am I at Risk for Dental Problems?
If your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you are more likely to develop periodontal disease (serious gum disease) and lose more teeth than non-diabetics. Like any infections, serious gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise and may make diabetes harder to control.

Other oral problems associated to diabetes include: thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and dry mouth which can cause soreness, ulcers, infections and tooth decay.

How Can I Help Prevent Dental Problems Associated with Diabetes?
It is extremely important that you control your blood glucose levels! Practice proper oral hygiene – brushing and flossing at least twice a day to take care of your teeth and gums, along with regular dentist visits every six months.

To control thrush - a fungal infection - maintain good diabetic control, avoid smoking and, if you wear dentures, remove and clean them daily. Maintaining good blood glucose control will also help prevent or relieve dry mouth caused by diabetes.

Diabetics have special needs, and your dentist and hygienist are equipped to meet those needs — with your help.

Inform your dentist and hygienist of any changes in your condition and any medication you might be taking. Postpone any non-emergency dental procedures if your blood sugar is not in good control.

I cannot stress how important good dental hygiene is to your overall health and preventing Diabetes, and if you are Diabetic, that you maintain a very good oral health regiment.

I had a very good friend who developed Type 1 Diabetes as a result of an infection that was caused by improper care after a dental procedure. Watching a friend who had so much to live for waste away to nothing is not fun!!

After an 8 year struggle with Diabetes, he lost his life this past spring at the age of 39. If my warning can prevent this from happening to one person, then it is worth my repeating.