What oral health problems are associated with uncontrolled diabetes?
Oral conditions associated with diabetes include: Gum inflammation (gingivitis) Gum (periodontal) disease Dry mouth (xerostomia) Thrush (oral candidiasis) Burning mouth or tongue Poor or delayed wound healing Gingivitis is gum inflammation which does not extend to the tissues or bone around the teeth. Gingivitis can be a temporary condition that resolves with dental care and improved brushing and flossing, but it also may indicate that there are more serious health conditions. People with diabetes are more likely to have gingivitis if their blood sugar is not controlled. Periodontal disease is a bacterial infection that affects the gums, tissues and bone around the teeth. Because uncontrolled diabetes changes white blood cells that defend against bacterial infection, people with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease and it is more likely to be severe. For this reason periodontal disease is considered the “sixth complication of diabetes”. Dry mouth (xerostomi
