"Diabetes doesn't start in the mouth- but it shows there."

PRIYA SAINI
Mar 16
2 min read

Acc. to WHO, global burden of diabetes grown from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million in 2022, with a sharper rise seen in low- and middle- income countries compared to high- income countries. Most people with diabetes are aware that the disease can harm the eyes, nerves, heart, and other important body systems. What many don't realize is that diabetes can also cause problems in the mouth.

Diabetes- Oral Health Connection : A two-way relationship

What your mouth reveals about Diabetes?

Dry Mouth (Xerostomia)
Oral Thrush
Gums may look swollen, soft which bleed easily while brushing or eating. Sometimes dark red, purplish or bluish due to vascular changes.
Multiple periodontal abscesses.
Teeth may feel loose because of loss of bone support.
Gum problems may not heal properly even after conventional treatment.
Cuts or surgical wounds in the mouth heal slowly.

Prevention Strategies for Better Oral Health

Because managing diabetes also means caring for your gums.

Adhere to your doctor's prescribed diet and medication to keep glucose levels as close to the target levels as possible.
Visit your dentist every 6 to 12 months and inform your dentist of your current levels and any medications you are taking, for professional cleanings and screenings for oral conditions.
Brush your teeth and gums twice a day with flouridated toothpaste.
Use dental floss or interdental brushes once a day to clean between your teeth.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and use sugar-free gum to stimulate saliva flow.

Fight diabetes- starting with your gums. Support it ...it will support you back.

References:

1. Global Burden of Disease Collaborative Network. Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. Results. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. 2024 (https://vizhub.healthdata.org/gbd-results/).
Borgnakke WS, Genco RJ, Eke PI, Taylor GW. Ch 31. Oral health and diabetes. In: Cowie CCCS, Menke A, Cissell MA, Eberhardt MS, Meigs JB, Gregg EW, et al., editors. Diabetes in America, 3rd ed. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIH/NIDDK) (2017). pp. 31.01–51.

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