Diabetes and Oral Health
Gum disease is the most common dental disease affecting diabetic patients. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of gum disease because of poor blood sugar control. As with all infections, serious gum disease may cause blood sugar to rise which in turn makes the diabetes harder to control because the patient is more susceptible to infections and less able fight the bacteria invading the gums.
Research suggests that treating gum disease can help improve blood sugar control in diabetic patients and slow down the progression of the disease. Practicing good oral hygiene and regular professional cleaning can also help to control blood sugar levels which will help the body fight any bacterial and fungal infections in the mouth and help to relieve dry mouth, a common symptom of diabetes.
Although professional cleaning is not a standard treatment available under the medical card scheme, we can seek and gain approval from the HSE for all diabetic patients with a valid medical card.