Poor blood glucose (sugar) control puts a person with diabetes at greater risk of mouth and dental problems, including such periodontal (gum) diseases as gingivitis and pariodontitis.
As well, poor glycemic control reduces saliva production, increasing the amount of sugar in the saliva, which can cause such complications as:
- Dry mouth
- Mouth ulcers
- Yeast infections
- Tooth decay
- Tooth loss
- Problems wearing a denture
- Change in taste
Prevention
In addition to maintaining proper glycemic control, you can limit the risk of complications by:
- brushing your teeth or dental prosthesis at least twice per day
- flossing daily
- visiting your dentist regularly (ideally, every three to six months if you have diabetes, based on your dentist’s recommendations)
To reach the Ordre des hygiénistes dentaires du Québec (website in French only):
Telephone: (514) 284-7639
Toll-free: 1 800 361-2996