Diabetes, gum disease and other dental problems

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Diabetes affects many parts of your body, including your mouth. People with diabetes are more likely to have gum diseasecavities and other problems with their teeth and gums.¹ And some of these oral problems can make your diabetes worse.

Taking good care of your teeth and gums, including regular cleanings and necessary treatments, will help prevent these problems or stop them from getting worse. Keeping your mouth healthy will also make it easier for you to manage your diabetes and prevent diabetes-related health problems, such as heart disease and kidney disease.¹

How can diabetes affect my mouth?

Diabetes can affect your mouth by changing your saliva – the fluid that keeps your mouth moist. Saliva helps prevent tooth decay by washing away food particles, preventing bacterial growth, and fighting acids produced by bacteria. Saliva also has minerals that help protect the tissues in your mouth and fight tooth decay.

Diabetes and certain medications used to treat diabetes can cause the salivary glands in your mouth to produce less saliva. When less saliva flows, the risk for dental cavities, gum disease and other oral problems increases.

Diabetes can also increase the amount of glucose in your saliva. Diabetes occurs when your blood glucose level, also called blood sugar, is too high. High blood glucose levels can also cause glucose to build up in your saliva. This glucose can feed harmful bacteria that combine with food to form a soft, sticky film called plaque, which causes cavities. If you don’t remove plaque, it can also build up on your teeth near your gum line and harden into a deposit called tartar, which can cause gum disease.

Left untreated, these oral problems can lead to tooth loss. Nearly 25% of US adults with diabetes age 50 and older have severe tooth loss, compared with about 16% of those without diabetes.²

What are the most common oral problems from diabetes?

Gum disease

Gum disease, also called periodontal gingivitis, is the most common and serious oral problem associated with diabetes. Without treatment, the disease progresses in stages, from gum inflammation to tooth loss. High blood glucose levels increase the risk of gum disease progressing from mild to severe.¹

Gum disease progresses in stages, from gum inflammation to tooth loss.

Gingivitis, or inflammation of the gums

The first stage of gum disease is gingivitis, a mild inflammation of the soft tissues around your teeth. Gingivitis develops when plaque and calculus build up on your teeth near your gum line, irritating and inflaming your gums. As a result, your gums may become red and swollen and bleed easily.

Periodontitis

Left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, an infection of the gums and bones that hold your teeth in place. Your gums can pull away from your teeth, forming pockets that slowly become infected. The bacteria in your mouth and your body’s reaction to the infection begin to break down the bone and tissue that hold your teeth in place. If periodontitis is not treated, the teeth can become loose and may even need to be removed.

Other common oral problems

In addition to gum disease, diabetes also increases your risk for³

• dental cavities
• dry mouth, lack of saliva which can cause sores, ulcers and infections
• chewing guma fungal infection that causes painful, white patches in your mouth
• burning mouth syndromea burning sensation in your mouth caused by uncontrolled blood glucose levels
• changes in the way food and drink taste

These oral problems, as well as tooth loss, can make it difficult for you to follow a healthy meal plan that will help you manage your diabetes.

How will I know if I have oral problems from diabetes?

Check your mouth for signs and symptoms of problems from diabetes, such as¹

• gum where it is
  • red, swollen or bleeding
  • retreating
  • pulling away from your teeth
• loose teeth
• increasing the spaces between your teeth
• dry mouth, an important sign of diabetes
• bad breath that doesn’t go away when you brush your teeth

Check your mouth for signs of diabetes problems.

What should I do if I have oral problems from diabetes?

See your dentist right away if you notice any signs or symptoms of oral problems. Your dentist is an important ally in keeping your mouth healthy and treating oral problems before they become serious.

If you have diabetes

• tell your dentist about your diabetes, including how long you’ve had the disease, any diabetes-related problems you may have, and any medications you take
• keep your dentist informed of any changes in your health, including any increase in your blood glucose levels
• ask how often you should come in for regular cleanings and check-ups
• follow your dentist’s advice on how to prevent and treat oral problems from diabetes

If you feel nervous about visiting the dentist, let your dentist and staff know about your feelings. Your dentist can tailor the treatment to your needs.

If you notice problems in your mouth, see your dentist right away.

How can I prepare for dental work?

High blood glucose increases your risk for infections after oral surgery, and it can also take longer for your mouth to heal. Tell your doctor if you are going to have oral surgery or other extensive dental work. To help you prepare and heal after the procedure, ask your doctor

• how often you should check your blood glucose before and after the procedure
• what, if any, changes you need to make to your medications, such as changing the dose or time you take a medication
• how to best deal with any post-procedure pain;

How can I keep my mouth healthy?

Keep your mouth healthy (PDF, 242.78 KB) by doing these steps