Diabetes and gum disease feed each other. High blood sugar makes gum infections more likely and harder to heal, and a gum infection can make blood sugar harder to control. If you have diabetes, your gums deserve the same routine attention as your feet and eyes. If you have gum disease and have never had your blood sugar checked, that is also worth raising with your doctor.
How are diabetes and gum health connected?
When blood sugar runs high, the body fights infection less effectively and heals more slowly. Gum tissue is exposed to bacteria all day, so it is a place where this shows up. Saliva can also contain more sugar, and dry mouth is a common problem with diabetes, both of which help plaque flourish.
The connection goes the other way too. Long-lasting gum inflammation puts stress on the body and is linked with harder blood sugar control. Treating gum disease may help, but you should not expect it to replace diabetes care. Think of two problems that each make the other worse.
What signs should people with diabetes watch for?
Gum disease creeps in quietly, so look for the early clues.
- Gums that bleed when you brush or floss, or look red and swollen.
- Persistent bad breath or a bad taste.
- Gums pulling back so teeth look longer.
- Teeth that feel loose or bite differently.
- A dry, sticky mouth, burning tongue or white patches that could be a yeast infection.
- Sores or a bump on the gum that is slow to heal.
Any of these is a reason to book a dental visit. See also our bleeding gums guide for how to tell a short-lived problem from one that needs a professional.
If you have not had a dental exam since your diabetes diagnosis, schedule one. Gum disease is often found only on a professional exam, with measurements around each tooth, and early treatment is simpler than late treatment.
What daily routine protects your gums?
Brush twice a day with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste, and clean between your teeth once a day. Plaque along the gumline is the main driver, so this is where the effort pays off. If you use dentures, remove and clean them daily and leave them out overnight.
Check your mouth for dryness. Sip water, ask about sugar-free gum, and see dry mouth and cavity risk for more. Do not smoke, since smoking and diabetes together raise gum disease risk further. And keep your blood sugar as steady as your care team recommends, since that is part of oral health too.
What should you tell your dentist, and how often should you go?
Say you have diabetes, what type, your recent readings or A1C if you know them, and what you take, including insulin. Ask whether you should eat before the visit and bring your glucose meter or snacks, because low blood sugar during a long appointment is a risk. Mention any recent change in how you feel. Telling your dentist about medications covers what to bring.
Many dentists suggest more frequent cleanings for people who have diabetes or gum disease. Your dentist or periodontist will set the schedule, and you should follow it. Procedures may be timed around good blood sugar control, which is a reason to coordinate with your doctor.
This article is general information and does not replace an exam or advice from your dentist and doctor.