Jordan Simpson
When managing diabetes, most people focus on diet, medication, and physical activity. What is often overlooked is oral health. In particular, the health of your gums plays a meaningful role in how well diabetes is controlled. Growing evidence shows that looking after your periodontal health is not just about protecting your teeth, but can also support better overall metabolic health.
The Connection Between Diabetes and Gum Disease
Diabetes and periodontal disease are closely linked, and the relationship works in both directions. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, especially if blood sugar levels are poorly controlled. Elevated glucose levels can weaken the body’s immune response and increase inflammation, making it harder to fight the bacteria that cause gum disease.
At the same time, untreated periodontal disease can make diabetes more difficult to manage. Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory condition. This inflammation does not remain confined to the mouth. It releases inflammatory mediators into the bloodstream, which can interfere with insulin function and contribute to insulin resistance. As a result, blood glucose levels can become harder to stabilise.
This two-way relationship means oral health and diabetes management are more connected than many people realise.
How Treating Gum Disease Can Help Diabetes Control
Research has shown that treating periodontal disease can lead to improvements in glycaemic control, particularly in people with type 2 diabetes. Professional periodontal treatment, such as deep cleaning to remove plaque and calculus from below the gum line, reduces inflammation and bacterial load.
Several studies have demonstrated a modest reduction in HbA1c levels following periodontal treatment. While the reduction may seem small, even a decrease of around 0.3 to 0.4 percent in HbA1c is considered clinically relevant. Improvements of this scale are associated with a lower risk of diabetes-related complications over time, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.
In simple terms, healthier gums can help create a less inflammatory environment in the body, allowing insulin to work more effectively.
What This Means for Patients With Diabetes
If you have diabetes, maintaining good periodontal health should be seen as part of your overall care plan, not a separate issue. Managing gum health can support blood sugar control and reduce the systemic inflammatory burden placed on the body.
Common signs of gum disease include bleeding gums, swelling, bad breath, gum recession, and loose teeth. These symptoms should not be ignored, particularly if you have diabetes.
Practical Steps to Protect Your Gum Health
Supporting your periodontal health does not need to be complicated:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes
- Attend regular dental check-ups and periodontal assessments
- Inform your dentist if you have diabetes and how well it is controlled
- Follow any recommended gum treatment or maintenance programme
Good communication between your dental team and your medical team is key.
In Summary
Diabetes and periodontal health are closely linked, with each influencing the other. By keeping your gums healthy, you are not only protecting your smile but also supporting better blood sugar control and long-term health. Regular dental care, combined with good daily oral hygiene, can play an important role in managing diabetes more effectively.