Diabetes mellitus affects more than one and a half million people in the Netherlands. The disease affects the whole body, including the teeth and gums. Yet that link often remains underexposed. Many people with diabetes experience complaints such as a dry mouth, gums that bleed more easily, or slow wound healing in the mouth. Small signals that, without the right care, can grow into bigger problems.

This page shows how diabetes and oral problems are connected. You’ll read which complications often occur, what you can do yourself to keep your mouth healthy, and when it is advisable to get in touch with the dentist.

What is diabetes and why does it affect your teeth?

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease in which the body has difficulty keeping the blood sugar level in balance. With type 1 diabetes, the body no longer produces insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the body responds less well to insulin, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels.

A blood sugar level that is too high affects the blood vessels, the immune system, and the nervous system. As a result, the mouth area becomes disrupted too. Elevated blood sugars make it harder to fight infections, slow down tissue recovery, and reduce blood flow to the gums. This causes oral problems to develop more quickly that rarely occur that way in people without diabetes.

Oral problems with diabetes: this is common

The most common problems in diabetes patients concern the gums, the saliva, and the ability to heal. Below we discuss them in more detail.

1. Inflamed or bleeding gums (periodontitis)

With a disrupted blood sugar level, gum inflammation develops more quickly. Bacteria get more of a chance to multiply between the teeth and gums. Your immune system responds less strongly, so the inflammation can develop deeper into periodontitis. This is an advanced inflammation of the gums and the jawbone.

Periodontitis can lead to receding gums, loose teeth, or ultimately even tooth loss. Read more about this condition on the page about inflamed gums.

2. Dry mouth (xerostomia)

A dry mouth due to diabetes is common. Saliva production decreases because of the disease itself, but also because of medication or dehydration with high blood sugar levels. Saliva plays a crucial role in cleaning the teeth and neutralizing acids. Too little saliva leads to an increased risk of cavities, bad breath, a burning sensation in the mouth, and problems with swallowing or speaking. You can read more about the influence of saliva on oral health on the page about the dental hygienist.

3. Slow wound healing in the mouth

Wounds in the mouth heal more slowly in people with diabetes. That applies, for example, to small wounds from brushing, irritated gums, or recovery after an extraction or dental treatment. The risk of infection or prolonged irritation is greater as a result. When a wound in the mouth stays painful or does not close, it is wise to make a checkup appointment.

Why oral care is extra important with diabetes

Oral health and diabetes influence each other in both directions. On the one hand, poor blood sugar regulation increases the chance of oral problems. On the other hand, gum inflammation can also further disrupt the blood sugar level. Inflamed gums cause a mild, chronic inflammatory response in the whole body, which makes insulin work less effectively.

That is why it is crucial to keep your mouth in top condition. Healthy teeth contribute to better sugar levels, and vice versa. At iSmile Tandartspraktijk, we are happy to support you with that through preventive checkups, professional dental cleaning, and personal advice.

Recognize the signals of problems in time

With diabetes, it is important to be alert to signals from your mouth. The sooner you act, the smaller the chance of lasting damage. Pay particular attention to:

• Red or swollen gums
• Blood when brushing
• Receding gums
• Loose teeth
• A burning sensation on the tongue or palate
• Bad breath or dry mouth
• Frequent small wounds or ulcers in the mouth
• Sensitive teeth

Practical tips for a healthy mouth with diabetes

With a few simple habits, you keep your oral health in balance. Below you’ll find practical tips that apply to everyone with diabetes:

1. Keep blood sugar levels stable

Good regulation of the blood sugar level remains the foundation. When in doubt, ask your doctor or diabetes nurse for advice, and give your dentist insight into your medication and recent blood values.

2. Brush twice a day with fluoride

Use a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste twice a day. Fluoride helps strengthen the enamel and protects against acid formation. Don’t forget to include the gum line.

3. Clean between the teeth

Toothpicks, interdental brushes, or floss are indispensable for removing bacteria between the teeth. When in doubt, ask for advice during your visit to the dental hygienist.

4. Limit sugar moments

Sugar and acids feed harmful bacteria. By limiting the number of eating moments and choosing water or unsweetened tea, you keep the risk of tooth decay smaller.

5. Avoid smoking and alcohol

Smoking and excessive alcohol use increase the risk of gum problems and dry mouth. With diabetes, this leads to serious complications more quickly.

6. Have your mouth checked at least twice a year

Regular checkups help detect problems early. In some cases, the dentist advises coming by more often, for example every three months.

Diabetes and children: extra vigilance

Children with diabetes are also at extra risk of oral problems. Because children often brush less well and snack more readily, complaints can develop quickly. It is important to make them aware of good oral care at a young age. For child-friendly care, visit our page about the children’s dentist.

When to get in touch?

Do you have diabetes and experience complaints such as bleeding gums, a dry mouth, or poorly healing wounds? Then get in touch with iSmile Tandartspraktijk. Our dentists and dental hygienists have experience with diabetes-related complaints and help you further in a targeted way. Make an appointment through the appointment form, or register directly as a new patient through the registration form.

About Leena Ibrahim

Leena Ibrahim is the founder of iSmile Tandartspraktijk and has been working as a dentist for more than twenty years. After her training as a Doctor of Dental Surgery at Western University in Canada, she gained four years of experience as a general dentist before settling in the Netherlands. With iSmile Tandartspraktijk, she realized her vision of high-quality dental care in a calm and personal environment.

Leena has a special affinity with anxious patients and is certified to carry out treatments with laughing gas and sedation. In addition, she completed extensive continuing education, including in the field of implantology, so that she can keep offering her patients the best possible care. In her blogs, she shares her knowledge and advice to help you toward healthy and strong teeth.