Individuals with diabetes are more prone to dental cavities and gum disease. In fact, people with diabetes have twice as many tooth and gum problems as those without. This makes logical sense: If one has high blood glucose levels, then the saliva glucose levels will be elevated, and teeth and gums bathed in a sugar solution will be more prone to inflammation and infection.
In addition, individuals with dental problems are more at risk for heart problems. My dentist informed me that if he observes advanced gum problems in a patient, he then asks the patient if s/he has diabetes. When he went to the literature and saw the many articles on diabetes and dental problems, he decided to become the local dentist that takes a special interest in diabetes care.
It is critical that all of us with diabetes learn to be really aggressive about preventive dental care. That means that we need to brush our gums and teeth at least twice daily. I use a battery operated toothbrush with rotating brushes. We need to thoroughly floss before we brush. We can carry a small container of dental floss with us, and floss after each meal or a snack. Sonicare and Waterpik have excellent products that stimulate the gums and remove food materials that get stuck between teeth.
We can also have a hand held gum stimulator in our car or at work to be used to keep teeth clean and gums stimulated. Many dentists will also encourage the use of daily mouthwashes, but be sure to use them before you use your fluoride containing tooth paste. Frequent (at least twice yearly) visits to your dentist, for evaluation and cleaning, are essential. Like so many other aspects of good diabetes care, you need to take charge of your gums and teeth to avoid common problems. This will also lower your dental care costs.
About The Author
R. Keith Campbell RPh, FAADE, CDE is a leader in the field of diabetes, named the “Outstanding Health Care Educator in the Field of Diabetes in the U.S.” by the American Diabetes Association, having published more than 650 articles, serving on numerous boards (including the American Association of Diabetes Educators), and co-developing the popular CADD ambulatory infusion pump.
The views and opinions expressed in this blog are solely those of the author, and do not represent the views of DiabetesProductSource, Kestrel Health Information, Inc., its affiliates, or subsidiary companies.
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