Oral Health & Diabetes

Did you know that diabetes and oral health is a two-way street?

High blood glucose levels can encourage bacterial growth, which will further the progression of gum disease. Diabetes also makes it more difficult for your body's immune response to fight and heal infections like gingivitis, which means it can easily evolve into periodontal (gum) disease. According to the American Diabetes Association, serious gum disease may even have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes. This means that our oral health can actually determine whether or not our diabetes is under control. Likewise, it also means people with diabetes are at a higher risk for gingivitis, gum disease and tooth loss.

Diabetes weakens our oral immune defenses. Infections begin to heal more slowly, or not at all. If the antibodies that we need can’t efficiently fight off the bacteria in our mouth, another step must be taken.

Research shows that you cannot fully control your blood glucose levels if your body is fighting an active infection. By making sure you keep your teeth and gums as clean as possible, it allows them to stay healthy because your immune system won't have to work in overdrive. The result means blood sugar levels that are under control. With an OralBreeze Irrigator, you can easily reach the loosely attached plaque and biofilm under the gumlines and between teeth.

Diabetes medications may contribute to dry mouth. Elevated blood sugar levels can cause dry mouth as well. If there is a decrease in saliva flow, the natural washing of tooth structure doesn't happen like nature intended. Bacteria and acid by-products (that are generated as your food is broken down) stay between your teeth longer. This puts your mouth at an increased risk for tooth decay. By regularly flushing the dry areas between teeth with an OralBreeze oral irrigator, you can prevent decay from forming.