If you are living with diabetes, you need to pay particular attention to your oral health and dental care, as well as controlling your blood glucose levels. The most common oral health problems affecting people with diabetes are: periodontal (gum) disease, tooth decay, fungal infections, mouth ulcers, taste disturbances and dry mouth.
Periodontal disease is an infection that destroys the bone surrounding and supporting your teeth. This bone holds your teeth into your jaw and allows you to chew comfortably. High blood sugar level causes plaque and calculus accumulation, which irritate the gums around teeth so they become red, swollen and bleed. As gum disease progresses, more bone is lost. Teeth become loose and may fall out by themselves or may need to be removed.
Increased blood glucose levels in diabetics cause very dry mouths. These conditions allow dental plaque to build up on teeth, which leads to tooth decay and cavities.
Another complication is Candidiasis/ oral thrush which is fungal infection. It is caused by an overgrowth of the yeast. Conditions caused by diabetes such as high glucose in saliva, poor resistance to infection and dry mouth (low saliva levels) can contribute to oral thrush.

Caring for your teeth and gums

• Follow your doctor’s advice about diet and medication to keep your blood glucose levels as close to optimal levels as possible.
• Thoroughly clean your teeth, gums and tongue twice a day with toothpaste that contains fluoride.
• Use dental floss to clean between your teeth.
• Visit your dentist regularly.
• Avoid having a dry mouth – drink plenty of water and chew sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva production.
• Don’t smoke