Periodontal Disease & Diabetes: How They Connect and What to Do

If you have diabetes, you might notice your gums bleed more often. If your gums are hurting, your blood sugar could be harder to control. It’s a two‑way street – high sugar fuels gum infection, and gum infection can push sugar levels up. Knowing this link helps you break the cycle before it hurts your teeth or your health.

Why Diabetes Makes Gums Worse

When blood sugar stays high, tiny blood vessels in your gums become leaky. That makes it easier for bacteria to settle and cause inflammation. Your immune system also gets sluggish, so it can’t fight the germs as well. The result is the classic signs of periodontal disease: red, swollen gums, bleeding while brushing, and eventually loose teeth.

People with uncontrolled diabetes are up to three times more likely to develop severe gum disease compared with those whose sugar is under control. Even a small rise in HbA1c (the average blood sugar over three months) can double the risk of gum problems.

How Gum Problems Can Raise Your Blood Sugar

Inflammation in the mouth releases chemicals that travel through the bloodstream. Those chemicals tell the liver to release more glucose, which can spike your blood sugar. Infections also make your body stress‑hormone levels jump, further pushing sugar up.

Studies show that treating periodontal disease can improve HbA1c by about half a percent. That may sound tiny, but for someone trying to stay under 7%, it can be the difference between stable control and needing extra medication.

Bottom line: healthy gums support stable blood sugar, and stable blood sugar protects your gums.

Here are three practical moves you can start today:

• Keep sugar in check. Aim for target HbA1c, follow your meal plan, and use a glucose monitor to spot spikes.
• Brush and floss like a pro. Brush twice a day with a soft‑bristled brush, and floss daily to remove plaque that fuels infection.
• Visit the dentist regularly. A cleaning every six months (or more often if advised) removes tartar that brushing can’t reach and lets the dentist catch problems early.

Other helpful habits include quitting smoking, staying hydrated, and choosing foods that don’t spike sugar – think leafy greens, nuts, and lean protein. If you notice gums that stay red, bleed, or recede, call your dentist right away. Early treatment can keep you from missing work, losing teeth, or needing extra diabetes meds.

Remember, managing diabetes isn’t just about pills and insulin. Your mouth is part of the picture, too. By keeping blood sugar steady and gums clean, you protect both your smile and your overall health.