Dental Health Week 2023: Mind, Body, Mouth. It’s all connected.
Image credit: Australian Dental Association
Welcome to Dental Health Week 2023! This year, the focus is on the link between oral health and general health and well-being. Almost half of the Australian population suffers from one or more chronic condition, yet a recent study found that 70% of those with systemic conditions had a poor understanding of the relationship between oral health and their condition. In light of this, each day this week we will shed light the relationships between what may seem like unrelated health conditions and oral health, starting today, with a spotlight on diabetes.
The Dynamic Link Between Diabetes and Oral Health
An intricate two-way association exists between diabetes and oral health, where one impacts the other. Diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, affects the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. There is strong evidence to suggest that the chronic elevation of blood sugar can have significant repercussions on oral health, including:
Increased Risk of Gum Disease: Uncontrolled diabetes weakens the immune system, compromising its ability to fight infections. This makes individuals with diabetes more prone to gum disease (periodontitis). Gum disease, characterized by inflammation and infection of the gums, can lead to tooth loss and further complicate diabetes management.
Delayed wound healing: High blood sugar levels impede the body's natural healing processes, affecting oral tissues. Simple dental procedures or surgeries may take longer to heal in individuals with diabetes.
Dry mouth: Diabetes can cause a decrease in saliva production, resulting in dry mouth. Saliva plays a vital role in oral health by rinsing away food particles, neutralizing acids, and preventing tooth decay. Dry mouth can increase the risk of cavities, oral infections, and discomfort while speaking or swallowing.
On the other hand, oral health can significantly impact diabetes management, reinforcing the importance of comprehensive care. Here's how oral health can influence diabetes:
Glycaemic control: The presence of oral infections, particularly gum disease, can make it harder to control blood sugar levels. The inflammation associated with gum disease can cause insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugar levels and more challenging diabetes management.
Oral infections and gum disease: Severe gum disease is considered a major risk factor for diabetes dysregulation, while diabetes in turn increases the severity of gum disease, creating a vicious cycle. In addition, untreated oral infections, such as abscesses, can trigger systemic inflammation, potentially affecting the body's ability to regulate blood sugar levels. This underscores the necessity of promptly addressing oral health issues to avoid complications in diabetes management.
Nutritional considerations: Individuals with poorly fitting dentures, missing teeth, or oral pain may have difficulty chewing or eating a well-balanced diet. This can affect nutritional intake and blood sugar control. Maintaining good oral health promotes proper nutrition and supports diabetes management.
So, how can we ensure comprehensive care when controlling diabetes and our oral health?
Take a team approach: Collaboration between healthcare providers, including dentists, primary care physicians, and endocrinologists, is vital for individuals with diabetes. A team approach ensures comprehensive care, considering both diabetes management and oral health needs.
Regular dental visits: Routine dental check-ups are essential for everyone, but particularly for those with diabetes. Regular professional cleanings, oral examinations, and early detection of any oral health issues can help prevent complications and support diabetes management.
Oral hygiene practices: Remember the importance of diligent oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush, using a fluoride toothpaste and daily flossing, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.
Control blood sugar: Effective management of blood sugar levels by following your physician’s advice including medication, insulin therapy, dietary adjustments, and regular exercise positively impacts both diabetes and oral health. Striving for optimal blood sugar control helps mitigate oral health risks associated with diabetes.
It is crucial to recognize the dynamic link between diabetes and oral health—a relationship that goes both ways. By understanding and addressing this connection, individuals with diabetes can be empowered to take comprehensive care of their oral health, contributing to better diabetes management and overall well-being.
For more information on managing diabetes and oral health, check out the resources available at the Australian Dental Association’s Teeth.org.au and Diabetes Australia.