Diabetes and Your Teeth: How Managing Diabetes Helps Your Oral Health

Posted on October 25, 2024 in Healthy Living

*Updated November 2025

Key takeaways about diabetes and oral health:

• Diabetes significantly increases the risk of oral health issues, including gum disease, dry mouth, and infections.
• There’s a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease. Each can worsen the other.
• Managing blood sugar levels and maintaining good oral hygiene are essential for preventing serious dental complications.

Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects millions of people in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 38.1 million people live with diabetes, and around 8.7 million have undiagnosed symptoms.

As the number of cases continue to rise, it’s essential to understand the broader impact of diabetes on both overall and oral health.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels due to either insufficient insulin or insulin resistance.

• In type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin, requiring daily insulin management.
• In type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough, which is often linked to lifestyle factors. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy but can raise the risk of type 2 diabetes later.

When left unmanaged, diabetes can lead to complications like heart disease, kidney damage, vision problems, and oral health issues.

How diabetes impacts oral health

Diabetes impacts nearly every part of the body, including the mouth. People with diabetes are more prone to developing specific oral health issues because of their fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Some common oral health side effects of diabetes include:

• Dry mouth: Diabetes can reduce saliva production, leading to dry mouth, which increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Oral thrush: Higher glucose levels in saliva can create an environment for fungal infections, such as oral thrush.
• Gum disease (Gingivitis and periodontitis): People with diabetes have a heightened risk of gum disease, which can lead to tooth loss and infections if untreated.

Diabetes and gum disease

Gum disease is a significant oral health risk for people with diabetes. High blood sugar levels can lead to elevated glucose in saliva, which encourages bacterial growth and increases the risk of gum infections. Severe gum disease, also known as periodontitis, can cause tooth loss in adults.

The connection between diabetes and gum disease is cyclical. Diabetes increases the likelihood of gum disease, and severe gum disease can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels.

How diabetes affects gum disease treatment

Diabetes not only increases the risk of developing gum disease but also impacts the body's ability to heal after treatment for periodontal disease. This risk makes early prevention and treatment of gum disease crucial for individuals with diabetes. Routine dental check-ups and proper management of diabetes can help reduce the risk of severe gum complications.

Tips for managing diabetes and protecting your oral health

Managing diabetes plays a role in maintaining oral health. Here are some tips to help you keep your mouth healthy if you are living with the condition:

• Control blood sugar levels: Maintaining stable blood sugar levels is essential. Uncontrolled blood sugar increases the risk of gum disease, dry mouth, and infections.
• Practice good oral hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day and floss daily to reduce the risk of gum disease and cavities.
• Inform your dentist about your diabetes: Always let your dentist know about a diabetes diagnosis so they can tailor your treatment plan and monitor potential signs of gum disease or other oral health issues.
• Schedule regular dental check-ups: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for preventive cleanings and check-ups to stay on top of developing gum disease or other oral problems.
• Quit smoking: Smoking can worsen gum disease and increase the risk of other oral health issues.
• Monitor your gums: Pay attention to signs of gum health problems, such as swelling, redness, bleeding, or pain. If you notice new symptoms, contact your dentist immediately to stop and treat the issue.

Controlling diabetes helps safeguard your teeth and gums

Diabetes can have a serious impact on oral health, but with proper management and regular dental care, many complications can be prevented. Staying on top of blood sugar levels and oral hygiene helps protect your smile and supports your overall well-being.

Did you know, some dental insurance plans include additional benefits for individuals with diabetes. Delta Dental’s Enhanced Benefits Program provides up to four dental cleanings per year for members with diabetes, learn more.