Individuals who have diabetes are at higher risk for mouth health problems such as gingivitis (early stage of gum disease), periodontitis (serious gum disease), thrush (infection caused by fungus growing in the mouth), dry mouth (soreness, ulcers, infections and cavities).
Gingivitis is a concern because the germs (plaque) work to destroy your gums and bone around your teeth. Cleaning the plaque and tartar away, helps to prevent gingivitis.
Periodontitis is a more serious gum disease and more likely to develop because of high blood glucose levels. Typically, a bacterial infection develops and, because of the high blood glucose levels, your body has a harder time fighting the bacteria. A bacterial infection left untreated destroys the bone around your teeth and your teeth may move or become loose, resulting in teeth falling out, needing to be pulled or possibly resulting in surgery. Because the blood supply in your mouth is the same blood supply as the rest of your body, if you get an infection in your mouth, it can spread to your entire body. Like all infections, gum disease may be a factor in causing blood glucose levels to rise and may make diabetes harder to control and cause other complications.
To control thrush, control blood glucose levels, avoid smoking and, if you wear dentures, remove and clean them daily.
Diabetes and medications can cause dry mouth by slowing the mouth’s production of saliva. Because saliva helps to keep teeth clean, when you have less saliva, the risk of dental problems go up. Teeth cleanings twice a year will help to keep the teeth clean and, if you wear dentures, you should see a dentist once a year so they can check your gums. Drinking sugar-free fluids or chewing sugar-free gum help keep the saliva flowing. Saliva substitutes available at drugstores may help as well. Good blood glucose control also helps prevent or relieve dry mouth.
Some signs to watch for as a warning you may have a mouth health problem:
1. Bleeding gums when you brush or floss.
2. Red, swollen or tender gums.
3. Gums which have pulled away from teeth.
4. Pus between the teeth and gums (when you press on the gums).
5. Bad breath.
6. Loose teeth or teeth moving away from each other.
7. When you bite, your teeth fit differently.
8. Changes in the fit of partial dentures or bridges.
Here are some steps you can take to avoid mouth health problems:
1. Blood glucose control
2. Brushing and flossing properly to control plaque
3. Going to your dentist for regular check-ups.
Keep your dentist and hygienist informed about any changes you have experienced with your diabetes and medications you may be taking.
Additional information is available by contacting Janell at the Chouteau County Extension Office at 622-3036, janellb@montana.edu or in the Chouteau County Courthouse at 1308 Franklin St in Fort Benton.
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