02/24/2026
Diabetes can harm your oral health, increasing your risk of gum disease and cavities. Furthermore, poor oral health can make diabetes worse.
Typically, we think of elevated blood glucose as a sign of diabetes. However, diabetes can also affect your production of saliva in two ways:
1) It increases the amount of glucose in your saliva. This glucose provides food for bacteria that cause plaque, cavities, and gum disease.
2) It reduces the amount of saliva you produce. This can also be a side effect of some of the medicines you will eventually take.
➡️ Types of teeth problems associated with diabetes:
Gum disease, Dental cavities, Dry mouth, Changes in your sense of taste
➡️ Prevention
Keeping your blood sugar under control is the best way to prevent these issues from developing. Additionally, you should practice good oral hygiene. Ideally, you should clean your teeth after every meal, not just twice a day.
If you have diabetes, practice good oral health and see your dentist regularly. Getting your blood glucose under control is the best thing you can do to preserve your oral health.