Diabetes affects how the body uses sugar and weakens defenses against infections, especially with poor sugar control. This increases oral health risks like gum disease, infections, dry mouth, and dental caries.
Diabetes is a long-term health condition that affects the way the body uses sugar. People with diabetes often have weaker defenses against infections, especially when their blood sugar is not well controlled. Because of this, they are more likely to get other health problems including oral health issues.
COMMON ORAL ISSUES OF DIABETIES
People with diabetes have a higher chance of having -
- Oral infections
- Gum disease
- Dry mouth
- Dental caries
Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease)
Diabetes and periodontitis are chronic and have a bidirectional relationship. High blood sugar in people with diabetes has long been known to cause problems for the gums and teeth. 1
- Diabetes weakens your defense system: When blood sugar levels stay high for a long time, your body finds it harder to fight germs. This includes the germs that live in your mouth.
- Germs attack your gums: These germs gather around the teeth and gums, forming sticky plaque. If not cleaned well, they make the gums swollen, red, and painful — this early stage is called gingivitis.
- If it worsens: The gums start pulling away from the teeth, small gaps (pockets) form, and the bone holding the teeth can get damaged. This serious stage is called periodontitis.
- A two-way problem: Gum disease not only happens more often in people with diabetes, but it also makes it harder to control blood sugar levels. So, unhealthy gums can actually make diabetes worse, and uncontrolled diabetes can make gum problems worse — like a cycle.
Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Diabetes can reduce saliva production. Many people with diabetes often feel they have a dry mouth. This usually happens because their saliva flow is low and their mouth and even throat feels dried out. It is more likely due to poor blood sugar control.2 Lack of saliva that can cause sores, ulcers, and infections. Saliva is essential for neutralizing acids and washing away bacteria. Dry mouth increases the risk of cavities, infections, and discomfort.
Increased Risk of Cavities (Dental Caries)
Dental caries increases in diabetics.3 High blood sugar puts extra sugar into your saliva. This becomes food for mouth germ. Germs eat that sugar and starch from food, then release acids that slowly weaken and damage the tooth’s outer layer (enamel). Diabetes can make the mouth produce less saliva. Normally, saliva helps wash away food bits, fights harmful acids, and protects teeth with minerals. With less saliva and more sugar, sticky plaque easily forms. Over time, it hardens into tartar, which makes decay worse and harder to clean.
Oral Infections (Fungal / Bacterial)
In people with diabetes, fungal infections are harder to treat than in healthy individuals. Among fungal infections, mouth infections like oral thrush are the most common. People with diabetes are more prone to oral thrush (Candida overgrowth). Infections spread more easily and may be harder to control.4
Dente91 DB Toothpaste is clinically shown to reduce salivary glucose levels by 16% in just 8 weeks. * Dente91 DB Toothpaste is specially designed to enhance enamel strength, ensuring enduring oral health. The toothpaste contains Lactoferrin which is multi-functional with Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Antifungal properties. Nano Hydroxyapatite in Dente91 DB Toothpaste helps reduce cavities and improves overall teeth health.
*DOI: 10.1177/30502071251321292
References:
1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23627322/
2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1516511/