Experiencing gum bleeding, bad breath, or tooth sensitivity?
Check for Diabetes-related oral health issues
Did You Know?
Adults 50+ with diabetes are 46% more likely to have under 20 teeth, and 56% more likely to suffer extreme tooth loss
Crack The Code!
Diabetes
Oral Care
Diabetes-related oral health issues encompass a range of problems such as gum disease (periodontitis), dry mouth (xerostomia), oral infections, and tooth decay.
Prolonged high blood sugar levels may lead to oral health problems potentially causing discomfort, tooth loss, and infections.
However, you can prevent or mitigate many of these dental issues with prompt and specific care.
Oral Health Detailed Interpretation
Teeth
Sensitivity
If your answer was positive to any of the symptoms, your diabetes might be signaling a need to check for dental issues
What could Diabetes be saying?
Here’s what you need to know:
In the early stages, diabetes-related dental problems may not show obvious symptoms. However, some individuals experience changes like increased teeth sensitivity or unexplained jaw pain. These symptoms can fluctuate.
Early signs of dental issues include:
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Increased sensitivity – experiencing discomfort with hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks
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Changes in bite – feeling like your teeth don’t fit together correctly
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Jaw pain – unexplained discomfort or pain in the jaw area
In advanced stages, high blood sugar can lead to severe gum disease, affecting the supporting structures of teeth, potentially leading to shifting teeth and more pronounced occlusal changes.
Diabetes
Gum Disease
If you answered yes to experiencing any of these symptoms, it could be a sign from your diabetes to check your oral health for gum disease.
What Could Diabetes Be Saying?
The early stages of gum disease in diabetic individuals might not show distinct symptoms. However, some people might notice signs like swollen or bleeding gums, persistent bad breath, or a frequent metallic taste in their mouth. These symptoms may vary in intensity.
Early signs of gum disease include:
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Bleeding gums – noticing blood when brushing or flossing
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Swollen, tender gums – feeling discomfort or soreness in the gums
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Persistent bad breath – a constant unpleasant odor from the mouth
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Metallic taste – often experiencing a metallic taste
As gum disease progresses, it can lead to more serious conditions like periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, and the underlying bone can be damaged, leading to loose teeth or tooth loss.
Diabetes
Oral Health
If you've experienced any of these symptoms, your diabetes may be signaling a need to check for oral health issues
What Could Diabetes Be Saying?
In the initial stages, diabetes-related oral health problems often don't show clear symptoms. Some individuals might notice recurrent mouth sores or ulcers, changes in saliva consistency, or persistent dry mouth. These symptoms can fluctuate over time.
Early signs of these oral health issues include:
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Recurrent mouth ulcers – slow-healing sores in the mouth
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Altered saliva – thicker or less saliva, hindering swallowing
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Dry mouth – ongoing dryness in the mouth
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White patches – white spots inside the mouth
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Taste issues – problems tasting food
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Burning mouth syndrome – a scald-like sensation in the mouth
As these conditions progress, they can lead to more severe issues, such as increased risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and fungal infections, potentially affecting overall oral health
Nurturing
Oral Health
Dos and Don'ts
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Maintain good blood sugar control
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Practice good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, floss daily
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Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings
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Stay hydrated to help with dry mouth
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Quit smoking if you smoke
References: Based on Published Medical Literature. All references are on file. For details please connect with us at hsa@obesityinternational.org