The surprising link between oral health and diabetes that could change how you manage both

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by The Conversation, click this post to read the original article.

If you’re living with diabetes, you might frequently experience discomfort in your mouth—dryness, sore gums, and difficulty chewing. While diabetes care often prioritises the heart, kidneys, eyes, and feet, oral health is commonly overlooked. This is concerning, as diabetes and oral health are closely connected. High blood sugar over time can weaken your immune system, slow healing, and make it harder to fight infections. Your mouth, filled with delicate tissues and bacteria, becomes especially vulnerable under these conditions.

The complications can include dry mouth due to decreased saliva, higher risk of cavities, gum disease, mouth infections like thrush, taste changes, and even tooth loss. These issues can impact not just your comfort and nutrition, but also how well you manage your blood sugar levels. In fact, untreated oral health issues can create a vicious cycle, where high blood sugar worsens dental problems, which in turn further disrupt your glucose control.

You’re also more likely to suffer from gum disease if you have diabetes. High blood sugar levels lead to more sugar in your saliva, fueling bacteria that produce harmful acids and inflame your gums. This can lead to bone loss around your teeth, causing them to loosen or fall out. However, you can significantly lower this risk by maintaining good oral hygiene and managing your blood sugar levels effectively.

Dry mouth is another common concern, especially if you’re older or take medications for issues like blood pressure or nerve pain. Saliva helps protect your mouth by washing away food and neutralising acids. Without it, your mouth becomes more acidic and your teeth lose essential minerals, raising your risk of tooth decay. Your dentist can help by recommending fluoride treatments, special mouthwashes, or high-fluoride toothpaste.

Good denture care is also crucial. Saliva helps stabilise your dentures and reduce irritation. Without enough of it, you might experience mouth ulcers and infections. By cleaning your dentures daily, removing them at night, brushing your gums and tongue, and attending regular dental check-ups, you can protect your oral health. If you’re considering dental implants, your blood sugar must be well controlled first to ensure proper healing and reduce infection risk. Keeping your mouth healthy makes eating easier, supports glucose control, and improves your overall well-being.