Understand the connections between diabetes and oral health

In Canada, one in three people has diabetes or prediabetes, a chronic disease that prevents the body from producing or properly using insulin. Diabetes affects a person’s health in many ways, including increasing the risk for heart disease and stroke, kidney disease, glaucoma, and cataracts. But did you know that diabetes can also affect oral health?

If diabetes is poorly controlled, it can create a burning sensation in the mouth or on the tongue. Worse, it can cause oral thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth) or dry mouth (xerostomia), a condition in which the glands in the mouth don’t produce enough saliva, raising the risk of cavities. Poorly controlled diabetes can also increase a person’s risk of developing periodontal disease, an infection of the gums and bone that surround and support the teeth. Initially, gums may be sore or bleed when brushed. Over time, the infection may cause bone loss that can lead to tooth loss. At the same time, untreated periodontal disease can cause blood sugar to rise, creating a vicious circle in which diabetes becomes even more difficult to control.

But there is good news: dental hygienists can identify signs and symptoms of undiagnosed or uncontrolled diabetes. They will refer you to your doctor for a medical consultation and can help you manage your blood glucose levels by offering nutrition counselling and smoking cessation strategies. They will also work with you to develop an individualized at-home oral care routine, including twice daily toothbrushing with a fluoride toothpaste and daily cleaning between your teeth. Together, your dental hygienist and your doctor—essential primary health care providers—can give you the tools you need to take care of your diabetes and your teeth, preventing serious complications and promoting optimal health.

Learn more about diabetes and oral health at dentalhygienecanada.ca/diabetes