Why Oral Hygiene is Critical for Diabetics (and How to Provide Supportive Care)

Diabetes affects more aspects of health than you may expect. It even has implications for oral health. Seniors with diabetes have an increased risk of developing cavities, gum diseases, and losing teeth due to poor blood sugar control. If you are a caregiver involved in providing care for a senior, you should know how to provide supportive oral care and promote good hygiene habits for seniors with diabetes. This will protect seniors with diabetes from further complications. 

Why (and How) Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?

High blood sugar can weaken white blood cells. This can slow healing and leave a senior with diabetes more prone to infections. Diabetes can cause an increase in the glucose levels in saliva, which interferes with a senior's immune system developed to protect them from bacteria and prevents it from reaching optimal levels. This makes it more difficult for the body to fight off infections like cavities and gum disease, leading to damaging oral health complications. 

Seniors with diabetes have an increased risk for cavities and gum diseases due to the high glucose levels in their saliva. This can result from both the inability to control blood sugar or the lack of oral hygiene. Dehydration can also make it more likely that cavities will form, as well as dry mouth caused by diabetes medications, which affects saliva production. Changes in bacteria in the mouth caused by diabetes weaken the body's natural protection against infection.

Tips for Providing Supportive Oral Hygiene for Seniors with Diabetes

Here are some tips to help promote and support good oral hygiene for seniors with diabetes:

Set Reminders for Regular Dental Visits

Encourage seniors with diabetes to visit the dentist regularly, at least twice a year, or as advised by their doctor. A professional cleaning can help remove bacteria and plaque buildup that may form on teeth due to poor oral hygiene habits and whether any additional treatments are necessary.

Create a Daily Brush and Flossing Routine

Help seniors with diabetes form a daily oral hygiene routine. The CDC recommends brushing at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Flossing at least once per day is also recommended. To make this easier, consider setting up daily alarms for them as a reminder.

Help Them Follow Their Approved Diet

Following their doctor-approved diet for seniors with diabetes is essential for maintaining their oral health. This can include eating meals that are low in carbohydrates and added sugars, as well as avoiding processed foods and limiting snacks. Offer them healthier alternatives to satisfy cravings without risking poor dental hygiene or blood-sugar spikes. 

If They Smoke, Provide Resources to Help Them Quit

In many studies, smoking has been linked to an increased risk of gum disease in seniors with diabetes. If they smoke, provide resources that can help them quit, such as counseling programs or nicotine replacement therapy options. 

Senior Helpers Provides In-Home Caregiving Services

Supporting a senior with diabetes take care of their oral health is not always easy on your own. Senior Helpers Columbus North provides support to caregivers and seniors by providing personalized, in-home caregiving services. We proudly serve the Columbus, Delaware, Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Franklin County, and Powell communities. Contact us today to learn more.