Detecting diabetes: your mouth may be key

3-minute read

Did you know your dentist can detect signs of diabetes? The long-term effects of diabetes not only damage the heart, nerves, kidneys, eyes and feet-it can affect your dental health. Treatment can help minimize serious complications, which makes early diagnosis very important.

The Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2024 reported 32% of non-Medicare participants over age 50-enrolled in the HealthSelect of Texas^® plans-are diabetic. This makes diabetes one of the top five chronic conditions diagnosed in non-Medicare ERS participants. The incidence in Medicare-eligible members is probably similar.

Diabetes could be the root of your dental problems

It's important for diabetics to control blood sugar levels because high blood sugar can raise the risk of these oral complications:

• Gum disease often occurs at a younger age in diabetics and can lead to redness, bleeding and swelling in the gums; mouth pain; loose teeth; persistent bad breath; or difficulty chewing.
• Cavities may be caused by high blood sugar in saliva, which feeds the bacteria that cause tooth decay.
• Dry mouth is one of the most frequent oral health issues for diabetics.
• Decreased saliva causes dryness in the mouth. Combined with high sugar, it may lead to cavities. The lack of moisture in the mouth can also make saliva thick and stringy, which can cause difficulty swallowing.
• Oral lesions and infections are also sometimes present in diabetics. The most common is thrush-a yeast infection that produces sore white or red patches.
• Problems tasting food can also be caused by diabetes medication, which makes diabetics more prone to taste disorders.
• Painful burning or tingling sensations in the mouth, known as burning mouth syndrome, are linked to poorly controlled blood sugar levels.

Preventive exams can get to the root of the matter

With a routine oral exam, your dentist can potentially detect signs of many diseases, including diabetes. It's important to maintain regular dental exams if you have diabetes. Your dental plan may allow for enhanced benefits, such as additional exams, cleanings or deep cleanings that help treat oral issues associated with the disease.

Make an appointment today

Visit ersdentalplans.com and use the "Find a dentist" tool to check if your dentist is in your plan's network. You can contact Delta Dental by email at ERSdentalinfo@delta.org or by phone at (888) 818-7925 (TTY: 711) Monday through Friday 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. CT.

If you're thinking about enrolling in dental benefits as a retiree not eligible for Medicare, you can enroll during your Summer Enrollment phase. Medicare-eligible retirees can enroll during the Fall Enrollment period. All members can also enroll within 31 days of a qualifying life event (QLE), such as loss of other insurance.