Periodontitis and Diabetes: learn how oral health can affect blood sugar levels

Oral health has a deeper impact than thought on the control of some systemic diseases. From this first moment we can say that periodontitis and diabetes are closely related and oral health goes side by side to find the much desired glycemic control.

In fact, those who live daily with diabetes know how important the balance of blood sugar is and that it depends on several factors. They often forget to consider gum health, which plays a crucial role. That’s why periodontitis, a chronic gum disease, can directly influence glycemic control, creating a vicious circle between oral inflammation and blood sugar levels.

So today we decided to talk to you about how oral health can be a help for diabetes control and what measures you can take to protect your well-being.

Periodontitis and diabetes: an unlikely relationship

Diabetes mellitus (DM) affects about 13% of the adult population in Portugal who, at some stage of life, develop one of the forms of this disease, with type II being the most frequent in individuals. This “chronic metabolic disease” can have several causes and results from various pathophysiological changes that lead to a permanent increase in blood sugar (glycemia)”*.

As for the relationship, widely studied, between diabetes and periodontitis is bidirectional, that is, one affects the other. More specifically, we can say that:

People with diabetes, especially those who have uncontrolled values, are more prone to gum disease.
Excess blood glucose facilitates the proliferation of bacteria in the mouth, leading to severe gum inflammation.

Chronic inflammation caused by periodontitis triggers an exaggerated immune response, which increases insulin resistance. This effect makes it difficult to maintain stable glucose levels, creating additional risks for the diabetic patient.

Currently, several clinical studies show that effective treatment of periodontitis can improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes, reducing glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels by up to 0.4%**.

What are the warning signs in oral health of diabetic patients?

If you are diabetic, you certainly identify with the difficulty of controlling blood sugar levels: sometimes they are low, sometimes they are high, but be aware of these signs that may indicate gum disease:

Did you know that these are common symptoms when it comes to the onset of periodontitis?

Also, be aware that periodontitis will not only affect your mouth, it can also significantly complicate the control of your diabetes and the onset of other health problems such as stroke.

Schedule regular oral hygiene appointments for prevention and treatment

If you are diabetic, regular oral hygiene consultations are essential to prevent small problems from turning into serious conditions. In A Clínica Dr. Pedro Mota, we approach oral health in a preventive and personalized way:

Early diagnosis - to identify signs of periodontitis before the condition progresses.
Targeted treatments - by applying treatments tailored to the needs of diabetes patients, helping to reduce systemic impacts.
Ongoing monitoring - with the support of our team working with you to create a care plan that complements your diabetes management.

5 simple actions you can take to avoid periodontitis and diabetes don’t get affected

We all know that adopting good habits is essential for oral health, especially for diabetics because of everything we have just said.

Your oral health can improve if:

Brush teeth after meals with a toothpaste appropriate for gum health.
Use dental floss daily, which prevents plaque from accumulating between the teeth where the brush does not reach.
Avoiding tobacco, polka dots, or smoking increases significantly or rediscovers periodontitis and complicates diabetes.
Maintain a balanced diet, imposing limits on the consumption of foods high in sugars and preferring options that help strengthen teeth and gums.
Regular visits to the dentist, as appointments are an opportunity to keep oral health under control and prevent complications.

We understand that caring for oral health is more than maintaining a beautiful smile – it is contributing to overall balanced health. So if you live with diabetes, don’t underestimate the impact that gum disease can have on controlling your condition and seek expert help.

Your mouth is the gateway to your well-being and, who knows, the control that was missing to put a brake on blood sugar variations.

Sources:
* Periodontitis and diabetes – Order of Dentists
**The Effect of Periodontal Treatment on Hemoglobin A1c Levels of Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis | PLOS ONE