Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not manage blood sugar levels properly. Typical early signs of diabetes include increased thirst and urination. Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, increased hunger, and sores that do not heal may also occur.

People with diabetes may not be aware they are also at risk of developing a number of oral health problems. These can include gum disease, dry mouth, and sores. Your dentist may be able to help you manage any issues you are having.

TYPES OF DIABETES

There are 3 types of diabetes: type 1, type 2, and gestational.

Type 1
Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood. In this disease, the body makes little or no insulin. Insulin manages glucose (sugar) levels in the blood. When blood glucose is too high, it can cause health problems like heart disease, nerve damage, eye problems, and kidney disease, as well as problems with oral health. Type 1 diabetes is usually managed by means of administering insulin.

Type 2
Although children or teens can develop type 2 diabetes, it typically occurs in adults. It is associated with a poor diet, being overweight, or being physically active fewer than 3 times per week. Other risk factors include habits like smoking or heavy drinking of alcohol. In this form of diabetes, organs do not respond as well to insulin. Over time, the pancreas (the organ that produces insulin) slows insulin production and blood glucose levels rise. Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled by means of reducing some of the risk factors or taking medications.

Gestational
Although children or teens can develop type 2 diabetes, it typically occurs in adults. It is associated with a poor diet, being overweight, or being physically active fewer than 3 times per week. Other risk factors include habits like smoking or heavy drinking of alcohol. In this form of diabetes, organs do not respond as well to insulin. Over time, the pancreas (the organ that produces insulin) slows insulin production and blood glucose levels rise. Type 2 diabetes cannot be cured, but it can be controlled by means of reducing some of the risk factors or taking medications.

DIABETES AND YOUR ORAL HEALTH

If you have diabetes, it can affect your oral health. You may notice dry mouth (which can contribute to cavities), swollen or bleeding gums, a burning sensation in the mouth, slowed wound healing, or frequent or severe oral infections.

Studies suggest that diabetes and severe gum disease (ie, periodontitis) can each influence the other. It appears that treatment of periodontitis may improve the body’s ability to control sugar levels. Likewise, poor control of sugar levels may increase the risk of developing periodontitis.

TIPS FOR DENTAL VISITS

There are some things you can do to be more comfortable during your dental visit.2 Tell your dentist that you have diabetes, as well as any medications you are taking and how well your diabetes is controlled. Try to schedule your dental visit in the morning and make sure the appointment does not occur during your peak insulin levels. Your blood sugar levels are typically higher at this time and this scheduling may prevent a drop in your blood sugar during treatment. Eat normally before the appointment and take all of your medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Your dentist needs to be aware of your medications and general health, including diabetes. Be sure to tell him or her about any oral health issues you have so that your dentist can help you manage them.

DISCLOSURE

Ms. Mark did not report any disclosures.
https://jada.ada.org/article/S0002-8177(24)00516-6/fulltext

Prepared by Anita M. Mark, informationist, COE ADA Library & Archives, American Dental Association, Chicago, IL.

Copyright  2024 American Dental Association. Unlike other portions of JADA, the print and online versions of this page may be reproduced as a handout for patients without reprint permission from ADA Publishing. Any other use, copying, or distribution of this material, whether in printed or electronic form, including the copying and posting of this material on a website, is prohibited without prior written consent of ADA Publishing.