November is Diabetes Awareness Month, and World Diabetes Day falls on November 14. Most people know diabetes affects the eyes, kidneys and feet. Fewer know it also affects the gums, and that the connection runs both ways. If you or someone in your family lives with diabetes, here is what is worth knowing about your mouth, in plain terms.

How diabetes affects your gums

When blood sugar runs high for a long time, the body has a harder time fighting infection and healing. The gums are one of the first places this shows up. People with diabetes are more likely to develop gum disease, and it tends to progress faster and be more severe, especially when blood sugar is not well controlled.

Gum disease starts as gingivitis: red, puffy gums that bleed when you brush or floss. Caught early, it is reversible with a professional cleaning and better daily care. Left alone, it can become periodontitis, where the gums pull away from the teeth, the bone that holds the teeth shrinks, and teeth can loosen over time.

Why the connection goes both ways

Research shows that gum disease can also make blood sugar harder to manage. Ongoing inflammation in the gums adds to inflammation in the rest of the body, which can affect how well the body uses insulin. Studies have found that treating gum disease can help modestly improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. That makes healthy gums part of looking after diabetes, not a separate issue.

Other mouth problems to watch for

• Dry mouth. High blood sugar and some medications reduce saliva, which normally protects teeth from decay.
• Cavities. Less saliva and more sugar in the saliva both raise the risk of decay.
• Slow healing. Sores, extractions or gum treatment can take longer to heal.
• Thrush. A yeast infection that shows up as white patches, more common when blood sugar is high.

Signs to bring up with your dentist

Book a visit, and mention your diabetes, if you notice any of these:

• Gums that bleed when you brush or floss
• Red, swollen or tender gums
• Gums pulling away from your teeth, or teeth that look longer
• Bad breath or a bad taste that does not go away
• Teeth that feel loose or a bite that feels different
• A dry mouth most of the day

Simple habits that protect your gums

• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and clean between your teeth every day.
• Keep your blood sugar in your target range as best you can. It helps your gums as much as the rest of your body.
• Drink water often if your mouth feels dry, and ask about products that help with dry mouth.
• Do not smoke or vape. It is one of the biggest risk factors for gum disease.
• Keep up with regular cleanings. Many people with diabetes benefit from a cleaning every three to four months rather than every six. Our guide to how often you should get a dental cleaning explains how that interval is decided.

Tell your dental team about your diabetes

Let us know if you have diabetes, what medications you take and how your blood sugar has been. It helps us plan your care, spot problems early and choose the right time for your appointment. Bring your usual snack or glucose tablets, and eat as you normally would before your visit.

If you already have signs of gum disease, our page on periodontics and gum disease treatment explains what treatment involves, from deep cleaning to ongoing maintenance.

Frequently asked questions

Can gum disease be reversed if I have diabetes?

Early gum disease (gingivitis) can usually be reversed with a professional cleaning and good daily care. More advanced gum disease cannot be fully reversed, but it can be controlled with treatment and regular maintenance.

How often should I see the dentist if I have diabetes?

It depends on your gums. Many patients with diabetes do best with a cleaning every three to four months. We will recommend an interval based on what we see.

Does the Canadian Dental Care Plan cover gum treatment?

The CDCP covers many preventive and periodontal services for people who are enrolled, depending on the plan rules and your income. Our CDCP guide explains how it works.

Book a checkup in London, Ontario

Longo Dentistry, 1221 Dundas Street, Unit 1, in Old East Village. Saturday appointments and one weekday evening, and we bill the Canadian Dental Care Plan directly. Call (519) 455-1221 or book online.

This article is general information and does not replace advice from your doctor or dentist about your own health.