Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Living with Diabetes-Preventing complications-Oral Health

Diabetes and Oral Health: Understanding the Connection

The mouth is an important part of overall health but is often overlooked when discussing complications associated with diabetes. Diabetes can have a serious impact on your oral health and increase your risk of several dental conditions.

Common Oral Health Problems Linked to Diabetes

1. Periodontitis
Periodontitis or gum disease, is the most common oral complication related to diabetes. It causes gum and bone recession around the teeth, leading to loose, painful, or lost teeth if left untreated. This condition is chronic and requires consistent professional care. Studies show a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Periodontitis can make it harder to manage blood glucose levels, increasing HbA1C levels and the risk of prediabetes. Professional periodontal treatment can moderately improve glycaemic control, highlighting the importance of regular dental visits. Well-controlled blood glucose, however, lowers this risk to that of non-diabetic individuals.

2. Tooth Decay
Diabetes-related gum disease can expose the tooth’s root surface, making it more susceptible to decay. Reduced saliva flow, often present in people with diabetes, also increases this risk by reducing the natural protection saliva provides.

3. Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
A common symptom in people with diabetes is reduced saliva production, causing a persistent dry feeling in the mouth. It is more frequent in individuals with diabetic neuropathy and can lead to increased tooth decay, gum disease, and infection.

4. Oral Thrush (Candidiasis)
Oral thrush is a fungal infection that appears as white patches in the mouth or on the tongue. High blood sugar, reduced saliva, and a weakened immune system increase the likelihood of this infection in diabetes patients.

5. Delayed Wound Healing
Changes in blood flow and reduced immunity can cause delayed or poor healing of mouth ulcers and other oral wounds, making it harder for the body to recover from even minor injuries.

6. Altered Taste
Diabetes can affect the ability to taste food and drinks, possibly because of slower cell renewal in taste receptors or nerve-related complications.

Recognising Symptoms of Gum Disease

Early signs of periodontal disease include:

  • Bleeding gums

  • Bad breath

  • Gum recession and longer-looking teeth

  • Tooth sensitivity or looseness

  • Spaces developing between teeth

These symptoms often occur without pain, which is why regular dental check-ups are essential to detect and manage problems before they progress.

Maintaining Good Oral Health with Diabetes

To reduce the risk of oral complications, follow these practical tips:

Dental Care for Patients with Diabetes

Dr. Daniel Kaufman plays an essential role in preventing, diagnosing, and treating diabetes-related oral health problems. Always inform Dr. Kaufman about your diabetes condition, blood glucose control, and any medications you are taking. Regular dental visits and ongoing communication can significantly improve your oral and overall health.

Dry Mouth in Glen Iris – Does your mouth feel dry?

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Dry mouth, also known as xerostomia, is a common condition that, if left untreated, can lead to tooth decay, gum disease, oral infections, and even tooth loss. It occurs when there is not enough saliva to keep your mouth moist and comfortable.

What Causes Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is often caused by medicines but can also result from diet, lifestyle habits, ageing, medical treatments, or underlying diseases. Speaking with Dr. Daniel Kaufman can help identify the cause and manage the symptoms effectively.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

You may have dry mouth if you experience:

  • A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth

  • Difficulty speaking or swallowing dry foods

  • Dryness when eating meals

  • Thick, stringy saliva or reduced saliva flow

  • A constant need to sip water or chew gum

  • Bad breath or changes in taste

Even if you wear dentures, it is important to have an annual dental check-up. Regular oral examinations can detect early signs of decay or gum inflammation caused by reduced saliva flow.

The Effects of Dry Mouth

Saliva plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy mouth. It helps to:

  • Protect teeth and gums from bacteria and acid

  • Prevent tooth decay and tooth loss

  • Aid chewing, swallowing, digestion, and speech

  • Maintain a natural balance of bacteria in the mouth

Without enough saliva, you are at a higher risk of cavities, sore gums, oral infections, and discomfort with dentures.

Talking to Dr. Daniel Kaufman

Many medications can cause dry mouth, including:

  • Antidepressants and antihistamines

  • Blood pressure and pain medications

  • Cough and cold remedies

  • Inhaled medicines and some eye drops

Dr. Daniel Kaufman may ask your medical doctor to review your medicines, recommend alternatives, or suggest a Home Medicines Review.

How Dr. Daniel Kaufman Can Help

Dry mouth increases your risk of decay and gum disease, but we can help prevent these issues. During your dental visit, inform Dr. Daniel Kaufman about your symptoms and all medications you take. Dr. Daniel Kaufman can recommend specific fluoride toothpaste, mouthwash, and moisturising products designed for dry mouth relief.

Practical Tips to Relieve Dry Mouth

You can manage dry mouth with simple daily habits:

  • Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and floss daily

  • Rinse with a non-alcoholic mouthwash

  • Reduce sugary, acidic, and caffeinated drinks

  • Sip plain tap water frequently and suck on ice chips when needed

  • Use a humidifier at night to keep air moist

  • Eat crunchy foods to stimulate saliva flow

  • Chew sugar-free gum or lollies between meals

  • Use a water-based lip moisturiser for dry lips

  • Avoid smoking and seek support from the Quitline or call 13 7848

Today there is no need to suffer from the consequences of a dry mouth. With all the various solutions available, Dr. Kaufman had the knowledge and experience to provide you with solutions. Please  ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation to reduce the risk of tooth decay and gum disease from a dry mouth.

Bad Breath Prevention

Chronic bad breath is also known as halitosis or malodor. It is a common condition caused by bacterial buildup in the mouth leading to inflammation and the production of noxious odors. Or it can be related to medical conditions that include liver disease, diabetes, chronic lung infections, acid reflux, dry mouth or xerostomia, and postnasal drip.

Where do bacteria deposit themselves?

The common bacterial deposits are inside tooth Cavities and around inflamed swollen gums  where there are ideal conditions for them to grow.  Other locations can be around the tonsils, where food particles can become trapped or in dirty dentures.

Cures for Chronic Bad Breath

  1. Good Oral Hygiene: Tooth cleaning with brushing and flossing after every meal goes a long way in the reduction of  odor-causing bacteria in the mouth. It has been found that electric toothbrushes are more effective than manual toothbrushes and flossing is mandatory. If you find that your brushing does not remove the food trapped between the teeth, please come and see us at Tooronga Family Dentistry, so we can instruct you on the right technique and appliances to use.
  2.  Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps in the secretion of saliva that can break down and rinse away the food particles from your mouth and reduce bacterial growth. Drinking milk is also known to reduce the strength of noxious breath odors.
  3. Stop smoking: Cigarettes, pipes and snuff can give you bad breath due to the nicotine in them.
  4. Reduce Coffee and Alcohol ingestion: Coffee has a strong smell that remains on the back of your tongue. Alcohol can be released thorough your lungs for as long as eight to ten hours after you stop drinking. Both alcohol and caffeine can lead to a dry mouth which eventually leads to bad breath.
  5. Chew Sugarless Gum: Chewing gum after a meal can increases the saliva flow in your mouth to fight bad breath and helps reduce cavities.

Please don’t hesitate to contact our team if you have more questions about bad breath or to make an appointment to have the condition of your mouth examined.

Pregnancy and Oral Health: Glen Iris Dentist’s Guide for Expectant Mothers

Pregnancy brings many changes—including some that affect your oral health. Here’s what Glen Iris mums-to-be need to know about keeping their mouths healthy throughout pregnancy:

Pregnancy Gingivitis
Around the second month, higher progesterone levels can increase bacteria that cause gingivitis. Symptoms include red, swollen gums and bleeding during brushing. Practicing excellent oral hygiene is crucial to control these symptoms and protect both mum and baby.

Enamel Erosion from Morning Sickness
Morning sickness and vomiting expose teeth to stomach acids, softening tooth enamel. Avoid brushing immediately after vomiting—rinse with water first and brush 20–30 minutes later to prevent enamel wear.

Dry Mouth During Pregnancy
If your mouth feels dry, drink water frequently to help rinse away bacteria that would normally be cleared by saliva.

Lumps on the Gums (“Pregnancy Tumours”)
Occasionally, a deep red lump appears on the gum, often in the second trimester. These “pregnancy tumours” can bleed easily or be painful. They’re usually harmless but should be checked by Dr. Kaufman—it could be a lump, abscess, or other issue needing attention.

Gum Infection, Disease, and Your Baby
Good oral hygiene during pregnancy is vital. Gum disease isn’t just local—it allows bacteria to enter your bloodstream and potentially affect your baby. Gum infections can trigger prostaglandin production, which may increase the risk of preterm delivery and low birth weight.

If you have any worries about gum disease or mouth care, contact our Glen Iris dental team or book your appointment for a thorough checkup and support tailored to Glen Iris families.