Dental care when you have diabetes

Research shows that diabetes and mouth health affect each other. Looking after your teeth and gums is part of looking after your overall health, and your dentist can help once they know about your diabetes.

How diabetes can affect the mouth

• Gum disease: people with diabetes have a higher chance of gum disease, which can cause pain, bad breath, difficulty chewing and tooth loss.
• Slower healing: diabetes can slow healing, which can get in the way of gum treatment.
• Dry mouth: too little saliva can lead to soreness, ulcers, infections and decay.
• Thrush: a fungal infection that causes painful white patches in the mouth.

Researchers say the link may work both ways: when diabetes is not well managed, mouth problems are more likely, and gum disease may make blood sugar harder to manage. Smoking makes these problems worse.

Looking after your mouth every day

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
• Clean between your teeth every day with floss or interdental brushes.
• Check your mouth regularly for swollen or bleeding gums, dryness, soreness, white patches or a bad taste.
• If you wear dentures, tell your dentist if they do not fit well or your gums feel sore.
• If you smoke, ask your doctor or dentist about support to stop.

Visiting your dentist

Have regular check-ups and tell your dentist that you have diabetes at every visit. Your dentist will look at your gums, teeth and the soft tissues of your mouth, and can show you ways of cleaning that suit you.

If gum disease is found, treatment from a dentist or hygienist, such as a deeper clean, may be suggested, and some people are referred to a gum specialist. Dry mouth and thrush can also be treated, so mention them. Your dentist or doctor can advise what may help.

When to see a dentist

• Gums that are swollen, sore or bleeding
• A dry mouth, or a sore mouth that is slow to heal
• White patches in the mouth
• Dentures that do not fit properly
• Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away

Get urgent help now if swelling is spreading across your face or neck, or if you have trouble breathing or swallowing.

• Learn about Dental Consultation →
• Learn about Teeth Scaling and Polishing →
• Book an appointment →

Educational information. It does not replace advice from your dentist or doctor.