Dental + T1D
What impact do high blood glucose levels (bgl) have on dental health?
High glucose levels can lead to you having a dry mouth. This then creates higher glucose concentration in the saliva which can lead to plaque build-up. Plaque build-up will be a sticky film coating your teeth that contains a lot of bacteria.
Bacteria in the plaque build-up create acids which may damage your tooth surfaces. Gum disease and tooth decay can be a result of damaged tooth surfaces.
Tooth decay can lead to a cavity (hole) in your tooth.
If you have symptoms like a toothache, sensitivity, bad breath, unpleasant taste, or spots on the teeth they may be a sign of tooth decay.
Gum disease is another issue associated with a build-up of plaque. It results from the irritation of the gums – becoming swollen, red and potentially bleeding. If you have high blood glucose levels whilst there is a gum disease it can encourage bacteria growth and make the infection worse and harder to treat.
Signs of gum disease can include: red and swollen gums, bad breath, dry mouth, oral thrush, bleeding gums. See your dentist as soon as possible if you are concerned that you may have gum disease or infection.
What can i do to prevent tooth decay and look after my dental health?
Regular brushing and flossing
Regular visits to your dentist and diabetes educator
Ensuring you are hydrated – drink that water!
Try to maintain glucose levels within your target range
Don’t smoke or if you do, seek help to try find a way for you to quit.
Make healthy food and drink choices as much as possible.
if i need to have a dental procedure that requires sedation what do i need to do?
Your blood glucose levels need to be stable for this to be done and the team doing the procedure need to understand your type 1 diabetes management and signs and symptoms.
how do dental infections impact blood glucose level (bgl)?
If there is a dental infection like in the example of the gum disease discussed earlier, it can create an infection. Infections can then cause your blood glucose level to rise. A long term infection such as gum disease can make it hard to control your BGL’s.
tips on how to monitor glucose levels in a dental procedure
Try ensuring stable glucose levels when attending an appointment or dental procedure and make sure you have discussed with your dental team so they are aware of your type 1 diabetes. If your levels are not stable, consider moving the appointment to another time if suitable.
Ensure that the team doing your procedure are aware of how you monitor you blood glucose levels e.g. you use a Continuous Glucose Monitor and also what some of your low blood glucose level symptoms are. It can be worthwhile having someone to support you who is aware of your signs, symptoms and controls you use.
Have glucose sources easily available if required if you get lower blood glucose levels.
are there any government dental benefits schemes available to me?
If you are receiving Centrelink you may be eligible for the following scheme: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/medicare/child-dental-benefits-schedule
More resources if you want to read further:
https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/preventing-complications/dental-health/