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Diabetes and Gum Disease: A Two-Way Connection
People with diabetes are more likely to get gum disease, and gum disease can make blood sugar harder to control. Learn the signs and how to protect your mouth.
Quick answer
Diabetes, especially when blood sugar is poorly controlled, increases the risk of gum disease. Severe gum disease can in turn make blood sugar harder to control. Signs include bleeding, swollen or receding gums, bad breath and loose teeth. People with diabetes should brush twice a day, clean between teeth daily, not smoke, keep blood sugar on target and have regular dental check-ups.
In this article
Diabetes is common in the UAE, and many people don't realise it affects the mouth as well as the eyes, kidneys and nerves.
How diabetes affects your mouth
- Gum disease: higher blood sugar weakens the body's response to infection, making gum disease more likely and more severe.
- Slower healing after dental treatment.
- Dry mouth, which raises the risk of decay.
- Fungal infections such as oral thrush.
The two-way link
Research shows severe gum disease (periodontitis) is linked to worse blood sugar control, and treating gum disease may modestly improve HbA1c in people with diabetes. Looking after your gums is part of looking after your diabetes.
Signs of gum disease
- Gums that bleed when brushing
- Red, swollen or tender gums
- Gums pulling away from the teeth
- Persistent bad breath
- Loose teeth or changes in your bite
Read more about bleeding gums.
Protecting your mouth
- Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
- Clean between your teeth every day.
- Keep your blood sugar on target. See our HbA1c guide.
- Don't smoke.
- Tell your dentist you have diabetes and which medicines you take.
- Have regular dental check-ups and cleanings.
At the dentist
Eat as usual and take your medicines before a dental appointment unless told otherwise, and bring a snack in case of low blood sugar. Let the dentist know if you feel shaky or unwell.
One clinic for both
At Al Zahra Medical Centre, our GP can review your diabetes care and our dentist can check your gums, under one roof.
Frequently asked questions
Can gum disease be cured?
Early gum disease (gingivitis) is reversible. Advanced gum disease can be controlled with treatment and regular maintenance, but lost bone does not grow back.
How often should people with diabetes see a dentist?
Your dentist will advise, but many people with diabetes benefit from check-ups at least every six months.