Take Special Care of Your Teeth and Gums to Prevent Diabetes Complications

When it comes to diabetes complications, the mouth provides lots of clues.

"Oftentimes, signs that lead to a diagnosis of diabetes or a signal that diabetes is out of control first take place in the mouth. These signs include a feeling of "burning" on the tongue, altered taste in the mouth, dry mouth, and oral candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth) -- which looks like white cotton on the tongue, and brushes right off," explains Riva Touger-Decker, PhD, RD, associate professor at the New Jersey Dental School.

Recent research has identified a correlation between deep pockets of infection between the teeth and gums (gum disease) and glucose tolerance status (high blood sugars). Bacteria in deep pockets can lead to serious gum disease.

Experts acknowledge the link. "There is a correlation between people with diabetes and gum or periodontal disease," says Sol Silverman Jr., DDS, professor of oral medicine at University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry. "But it's a problem that can be essentially prevented. When blood sugar is under control, there's not too much, if any, difference between the risks facing diabetics and nondiabetics," he tells WebMD.

The risks of oral-related diabetes complications don't stop at the mouth. "The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body," says Touger-Decker. "When you have more bacteria in the mouth, there's a greater risk for that bacteria getting into the bloodstream and leading to more widespread infections."

That's why it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent diabetes complications. The American Dental Association offers these tips on oral health care to people with diabetes:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
• Change your toothbrush periodically.
• Floss daily.
• Make your dentist aware of your blood glucose status.
• Consider getting checkups and cleanings every three to four months.

Published Oct. 29, 2004.
Medically updated Mar. 16, 2006.

SOURCES: Teresa Pearson, RN, CDE, president-elect, American Association of Diabetes Educators. Dianne Carter, RN, CDE, diabetes nurse educator, University of Massachusetts School of Medicine. Riva Touger-Decker, PhD, RD, associate professor, New Jersey Dental School. Sol Silverman Jr., DDS, professor of oral medicine, University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry. American Dental Association. American Diabetes Association.

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