Diabetes and Oral Health

We are committed to improving your oral health as well as your overall health and well-being. We can help you to understand how Diabetes can affect your teeth and how to manage it.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes has become a common disease in today’s society. Diabetes affects the metabolism of glucose, fat and protein due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin resistance or both. There are two main categories of the disease – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 results from an absolute insulin deficiency. Type 2 results from insulin resistance or impaired insulin secretion. Both types have oral manifestations and can significantly impact on dental health. 

How does Diabetes affect Oral Health?

The most common oral health problems associated with diabetes are:  Periodontal (Gum) Disease, tooth decay, fungal infection, dry mouth, taste impairment, infections and delayed healing. 

Gum Disease and Diabetes

Gum disease (Periodontitis) is an infection of the gum and bone that supports the teeth.  Diabetes reduces the body’s resistance to infection therefore increasing the susceptibility to gum disease. Delayed healing also increases the severity of disease, particularly if no treatment for gum disease is being carried out. Uncontrolled diabetes has been shown to have the greatest associated with incidence and severity of gum disease.

For these reasons it is even more crucial for Diabetics to have regular professional cleans and check-ups at the dentist

Let your Dentist assist with managing your Diabetes and Oral Health

• Advise you dentist or hygienist if you have diabetes and what type,- if your diabetes is under control,  if there has been any change in your medical history  and the name of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs you are taking. 
• Have regular dental visits for examination and assessment of dental health and to prevent conditions such as those listed above from occurring or progressing. 
• See your hygienist or dentist for regular scale and cleans to remove plaque and tartar and keep gums healthy. 
•  Ensure oral hygiene is good and diabetes controlled.