Did you know that diabetes can harm your teeth and gums?

Maintaining a healthy mouth is crucial for everyone, but it’s especially important if you have diabetes. High blood sugar can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to oral health problems like tooth decay, gum disease, and infections. It can also weaken white blood cells, which are your body’s main way to fight infections that can occur in the mouth.

 How Diabetes Affects Your Mouth

• Dry Mouth: High blood sugar can reduce saliva, creating a dry environment where bacteria thrive. Consider using sugar-free gum, hydrating regularly, and talking to your doctor about medications that may worsen dryness.

• Gum Disease: Diabetes inflames gums, leading to bleeding, soreness, and increased risk of severe infection (periodontitis). Periodontitis can, in turn, worsen blood sugar control.

• Tooth Decay: Bacteria in your mouth feed on sugars from foods and drinks. In a high-sugar environment (like saliva with elevated blood glucose), this bacteria produces acids that erode tooth enamel, leading to cavities.

• Slow Healing: High blood sugar impairs the body’s ability to fight infection, slowing the healing of any oral sores or wounds.

Protect Your Smile: Tips for Good Oral Health

• Manage Your Diabetes: The best defense is keeping your blood sugar levels within a healthy range. Follow your diet, take medications as directed, and monitor blood sugar regularly.

• Prioritize Dental Visits: See your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and professional cleanings.

  • Tell your dentist you have diabetes! Your dentist can tailor your care plan and watch closely for signs of trouble.

• Meticulous Home Care:

  • Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste for two minutes.
  • Floss daily to clean between teeth where your brush can’t reach.
  • Consult your dentist about mouth rinses if you struggle with dry mouth.

• Quit Smoking: Smoking severely increases the risk of oral problems and complicates diabetes management.

  How does diabetes make you more likely to have cavities?

  • A: It weakens your immune system.
  • B: It causes your teeth to become brittle.
  • C: High blood sugar creates an environment where harmful bacteria thrive.

  Correct Answer: C

  Question 2:

  True or False: Gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels.

  Correct Answer: True

  Question 3:

  Besides brushing and flossing, what is one important way to protect your oral health if you have diabetes?

  • A: Avoid all sugary foods and drinks.
  • B: Manage your blood sugar by following your diabetes care plan.
  • C: Use an antiseptic mouthwash daily.

  Correct Answer: B

Remember: Taking care of your mouth may be costly, but it is needed for your overall health!

Diabetes may harm your teeth and gums.