Diabetes and oral health: the links

People with diabetes need to take good care of their oral health as they can be susceptible to various problems if their condition is not managed properly.

As the Diabetes Ireland Conference & Exhibition 2020 (DICE) begins today in Dublin, we look at the links between diabetes and oral health.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that is caused by your body having insufficient insulin. Produced in the pancreas, insulin is a vital hormone that absorbs glucose (sugar) into your bloodstream which body cells then use for growth and energy. Diabetes is when your blood glucose (or blood sugar) is too high because your pancreas is not making enough insulin to enable all the sugar to be used.

What’s the difference between type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes usually starts in childhood and people with the condition need to have injections of insulin. The cause of type 1 is due to the immune system destroying the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes generally develops in adulthood and has often been linked to obesity and lack of exercise. It is a progressive condition and is usually treated with anti-diabetic medicine and/or insulin injections, as well as through diet changes and exercise.

Type 1 diabetes is also not preventable, whereas type 2 can be prevented with a healthy diet and effective weight management.

What is prediabetes?

This is when your blood glucose levels are too high but the condition has not yet caused diabetes proper. It is often an indication that type 2 diabetes will develop.

Is there a cure for diabetes?

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes need to be treated in patients. For those with type 1, this involves daily management of insulin and to balance food intake or exercise, as well as insulin injections. Those with type 2 diabetes also need to control what they eat and exercise as well as taking medication. Many will also need to use insulin injections.

What are the risk factors for developing type 2 diabetes?

You are more likely to get type 2 diabetes if you:

• Are over 40
• Have family members with diabetes
• Are overweight
• Do not exercise regularly
• Have high blood pressure and/or high cholesterol.

How are dental health and diabetes linked?

People with diabetes often tend to develop issues such as gum disease, dry mouth, slow healing and infections. This is why it is important for people with the condition to really look after their dental health.

How does someone with diabetes keep their mouth healthy?

The following tips are important if you want to have good oral health:

• Monitor your blood glucose levels and take medication as required
• Brush teeth twice a day
• Floss your teeth every day
• Make sure you have a healthy diet
• See your dentist for frequent check-ups
• Do not smoke.

Diabetes and going to the dentist?

If you have diabetes, it is crucial that you let your dentist know as it will determine your treatment. He or she will also be able to advise you on how often you should have check-ups. Dentists also recommend that you eat a main meal before your appointment (as per the instructions of your medical team) and that you tell your dentist what medication, if any, you are on.

What oral health complications arise with diabetes?

These are the main issues that can arise if your diabetes is not being treated properly:

• Sore or swollen gums
• Bleeding gums
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• Bad breath.

What does Diabetes Ireland do?

Diabetes Ireland provides support, education and motivation to people living with diabetes. It also raises awareness of the conditions in the public domain as well as supporting research into it, its causes, treatments and cures. Its goal is to assist the thousands of Irish people who have diabetes, along with their families.

What is the Diabetes Ireland Conference & Exhibition 2020 (DICE)?

Every year, the charity organises various conferences at which national and international speakers convene to share knowledge and present papers on advances in the clinical treatment of diabetes. This year’s main event takes place on February 21^st, 2020 in the Croke Park Conference Centre in Dublin. (Note: This event is for healthcare professionals only.)

To find out more about diabetes and oral health, check out the Diabetes Ireland website.

This video featuring Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor with Dental Care Ireland, also has valuable information about dental care and living with diabetes.

Find a list of all Dental Care Ireland practices nationwide, with full contact details.