The Two-Way Connection
Diabetes doubles the risk of gum disease. And gum disease makes blood sugar harder to control. A vicious cycle that can be broken.
How Diabetes Affects Your Teeth
- Weakened immunity → faster and more severe gum infections
- Dry mouth → faster decay
- Slow healing → delayed recovery after procedures
- Blood vessel changes → less nutrition to oral tissues
Special Tips for Diabetic Patients
- Dental and gum checkup every 3-4 months (not 6)
- More frequent professional cleaning
- Inform your dentist about medications and sugar levels
- Intensive home care
- Quit smoking (it doubles the risk)
Dental Implants and Diabetes
Dental implants are possible for diabetic patients provided:
- HbA1c is below 7%
- No acute complications
- Regular medical follow-up