In an effort to raise awareness for National Diabetes Month during November, oral care supplier Ivohealth has urged South Africans to take action against one of the country’s fastest-growing health challenges, diabetes, by paying closer attention to an often-overlooked factor which is oral health.
According to Ivohealth’s Oral Hygiene Advisor, Dirna Grobbelaar, there is a powerful two-way connection between diabetes and oral health that many people are unaware of. “While most know that diabetes affects the eyes, nerves, and heart, fewer realise it also has a profound impact on the mouth and that poor oral health can make diabetes harder to control,” she explained. This highlights how closely linked overall health and oral health truly are.
One of the most common conditions related to both is gum disease (periodontal disease), which affects up to 90% of people at some stage in their lives. It begins with the build-up of plaque, a sticky film of bacteria, on the teeth and gums, leading to irritation, inflammation, and bleeding during brushing or flossing. Grobbelaar explained that the early stage, gingivitis, is reversible with consistent care, but if left untreated, it can progress into periodontitis, a more advanced form that damages the tissue and bone supporting the teeth. This not only threatens oral health but also contributes to chronic inflammation throughout the body.
Inflammation is a key link between diabetes and gum disease. Chronic inflammation from the mouth can spread through the bloodstream, affecting metabolism and reducing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. This creates a dangerous cycle where poor oral health worsens blood sugar control, and high blood sugar, in turn, aggravates gum inflammation. Breaking this cycle requires both good oral hygiene and effective blood sugar management.
People living with diabetes are more prone to specific oral issues, including dry mouth, tooth decay, gum disease, and persistent bad breath. Grobbelaar stressed that managing diabetes involves more than just medical check-ups and that dentists and oral hygienists play a crucial role too. Diabetic patients are advised to schedule regular dental visits and share their full medical history, including medications.
To maintain a healthy mouth, Grobbelaar recommends brushing twice daily with a soft or sonic toothbrush, cleaning between teeth using floss or interdental brushes, and rinsing with an alcohol-free mouthwash.
“Diabetes and gum disease feed off each other through inflammation and infection. But the cycle can be broken with the right care, by balancing blood sugar, maintaining good oral hygiene, and working closely with healthcare professionals,” she concluded.
Compiled by Clement Matroos
