November is American Diabetes Month. The theme of this year’s celebration is We Fight for You, because the American Diabetes Association is engaging the world in the fight to end diabetes. On a local level, we’re long-time supporters of Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), which funds diabetes research and treatments for those who have been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and provides them with the information needed to live happy and fulfilled lives.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates, 38.4 million people have diabetes (11.6% of the U.S. population), with 29.7 million people diagnosed and 8.7 million people undiagnosed. Another 97.6 million people have prediabetes.
American Diabetes Month matters to us especially because of the link between diabetes and oral health. What is that link?
Diabetes is a chronic health condition that influences how the body converts sugar into energy. As a result, diabetes that isn’t properly managed can lead to higher levels of sugar in the blood, which means higher levels of sugar in saliva, too. More sugar in a person’s saliva is harmful because it feeds decay-causing mouth bacteria and increases the risk of cavities. Also, left unaddressed, the plaque will harden into tartar that can cause gum disease, tooth loss and other oral health problems.
For people with diabetes, this can create a dangerous cycle. Diabetes makes gum disease more likely. Inflammation from gum disease can cause blood sugar to rise, making it more difficult to manage diabetes.
In addition to gum disease, diabetes can also make people more susceptible to sore or loose teeth, fungal mouth infections, mouth ulcers, dry mouth and cavities. People with diabetes who have good control of their blood sugar are less likely to develop these oral health issues.
Unfortunately, people who are battling chronic diseases tend to neglect their oral health. They may not go to the dentist regularly and may neglect daily oral hygiene habits at home (brushing twice a day and flossing at least once). Improving their oral health can help diabetic patients improve their overall health, including other chronic conditions often present with diabetes.
If you have been diagnosed with diabetes, it’s important to do everything possible to achieve and maintain your best oral health. Tell your dentist if you have diabetes, so they will know you are at higher risk of gum disease. And keep your medical professionals informed about any dental diseases that you are working with your dentist to address. If family members or friends have diabetes, please share this information with them. It could help them manage their diabetes more effectively.
For more information, see Shield your smile from diabetes-related risk and Dentists Can Help Diagnose Diabetes.