Mouth trouble: 6 key signs

According to Diabetes UK, having type 2 diabetes makes you three times more likely to have oral health issues. Type 1 makes you more vulnerable too. Diabetes impairs your ability to fight infection, while high blood sugar encourages the growth of bacteria, making you more susceptible to:

• Sore, inflamed or bleeding gums (gingivitis)
• Loose teeth or inflamed ligaments and bone (periodontitis)
• Tooth decay (dental caries)
• Dry mouth (xerostomia)
• Chronic bad breath (halitosis)
• Fungal infections (oral thrush)

Keep smiling .. and in control

People with diabetes who have persistent high blood sugar levels are running the risk of dental problems. Keeping your blood sugar under control will help protect your mouth and help reduce the risk of conditions like dry mouth, gum disease, tooth loss and oral thrush. As infection can also increase your blood sugar, it can make your diabetes even harder to control.  So, taking care of your mouth can also help manage your blood sugar.

Get regular check-ups

Because you are more prone to infections, it's especially important to see your dentist regularly and talk about your diabetes. You should get a check-up as often as advised and tell your dentist about any medicines you take. Regular checkups and cleaning will help keep your mouth healthy. Also, ask your dentist to show you the best ways to take good care of your teeth and gums at home.

Prevent plaque

High blood sugar levels associated with diabetes can make tooth decay and gum disease worse. Try to avoid plaque accumulating on your teeth after you eat. Plaque, combined with food, saliva and bacteria, releases acids that attack your tooth enamel. If it's not removed, plaque turns into tartar, which builds under gum lines and is difficult to remove by flossing. So, brushing your teeth properly and taking care of your gums can prevent and treat gum disease, while improving your overall health.

Brush twice a day

It's estimated that around 1 in every 3 adults in the UK has tooth decay. You can avoid the bacteria that causes decay by:

• Brushing teeth for 2 minutes at least twice a day
• Always brush last thing at night and at other times at least an hour after eating
• Spit, don't rinse
• Use fluoride toothpaste.

When you brush, point the bristles at a 45-degree angle against your gums. Use gentle, circular movements on all surfaces of every tooth. Don’t forget to brush your gums and tongue.

Floss daily

To beat plaque, you should use floss or an interdental toothbrush at least once each day to ensure you are cleaning between your teeth and under the gum line.Your dentist will advise you on the best products to use and how to floss properly. It may be a bit fiddly at first but do persevere with it.

Take care of your dentures

If you have false teeth that don't fit well, or are old and worn out, you could pay a high price with your oral health. Loose-fitting or poorly maintained dentures can cause gum irritation and lead to infections. Make sure you talk to your dentist about any denture alterations. With diabetes, you have a higher risk of fungal infections like thrush. Worn dentures can increase that risk. Always remove and thoroughly clean your dentures each day to help reduce your risk of infection.

Stop smoking

Smoking is one of the most significant factors for developing gum disease. So, if you have diabetes and you smoke, you are putting yourself at even more risk. Tobacco can damage gum tissue and cause gum recession. It also speeds up bone and tissue loss, meaning you have more chance of losing teeth. Speak to your GP, pharmacist or NHS helpline about help with quitting smoking.

Oral surgery with diabetes

If you have diabetes, you'll need to take special precautions when undergoing oral surgery. Poorly controlled blood sugar can increase your risk of post-operative infection. It can also affect your ability to heal. Always make sure your dentist or surgeon knows that you have diabetes before undergoing any operation. Your GP may suggest that you wait to have an operation until your blood sugar levels are under control.

4 simple ways to protect your health

A healthy mouth helps you maintain a healthy body. Follow these simple steps to live well and manage your diabetes:

• Eat a healthy balanced diet
• Do not smoke
• Keep on top of your diabetes
• See your dentist as often as recommended to help reduce your risk of serious problems

Check for warning signs

It goes without saying that regular checkups with the dentist are a wise move with diabetes but also be proactive and check yourself for early signs of tooth or gum trouble. Infections can move quickly, so see your dentist if you are worried or notice:

• Soreness or pain
• Redness or swelling
• Bleeding
• Loose teeth
• Dry mouth

Taking action early can save your mouth, avoid diabetes complications and protect your general health.

Related reading

• Dental care and diabetes
• Dental problems and diabetes
• What do you know about your mouth quiz
• Quiz: Do you know what causes bad breath?
• 9 habits that wreck your teeth
• Quiz: The germs in your mouth