Discover the Hidden Connection Between Oral Health and Diabetes
                     The Hidden 
Connection Between 
Diabetes
and Dental Health
What is 
Diabetes?
Type 1 Diabetes
1 Autoimmune condition where the body attacks insulin-producing cells, typically 
develops in childhood or adolescence.
Type 2 Diabetes
2 Progressive condition where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't 
produce enough, usually develops in adults but increasingly seen in younger 
people.
Gestational Diabetes
3 Develops during pregnancy, typically resolves after birth but increases future 
diabetes risk.
What is Periodontal Disease?
Periodontal disease is a chronic bacterial infection affecting the gums and 
bone supporting the teeth. It begins with gingivitis (gum inflammation) and 
can progress to periodontitis, where gum tissue pulls away from teeth, 
forming pockets that become infected.
Early Warning Signs:
• Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing
• Red, swollen, or tender gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Receding gums (teeth appear longer)
• Loose or shifting teeth
If left untreated, periodontal disease becomes the leading cause of 
tooth loss in adults worldwide.
How Diabetes Affects Dental Health
Elevated Blood Glucose Increased Inflammation Compromised Healing
High blood sugar weakens white blood cells, Diabetes triggers an exaggerated Impaired blood flow and collagen synthesis 
the body's main defense against bacterial inflammatory response to bacteria present in in diabetics leads to slower healing of oral 
infections, making diabetics more the mouth, accelerating periodontal tissue tissues and increased susceptibility to 
susceptible to infections, including those in destruction. infections.
the mouth.
How Dental Health Affects 
Diabetes
Systemic Inflammation Glycaemic Diabetes Risk
Periodontal disease increases BCaoctnertiarl oinlfections in the mouth trigger an Research indicates individuals with 
inflammatory markers in the bloodstream, immune response that can disrupt blood significant periodontal disease have a 
including C-reactive protein (CRP), sugar regulation, making diabetes more higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes 
interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumour necrosis difficult to control. Studies show patients compared to those with healthy gums, 
factor-alpha (TNF-α), which can worsen with severe periodontitis have higher suggesting oral health may be a modifiable 
insulin resistance. HbA1c levels than those with healthy risk factor.
gums.
The Bidirectional Relationship
Diabetes Oral Bacteria
Elevated blood glucose weakens immune In a hyperglycaemic environment, harmful 
response, increases inflammation, and bacteria thrive and produce more toxins, 
impairs healing throughout the body, accelerating gum and bone destruction.
including oral tissues.
Periodontal Disease
Worsened Glycaemic 
Control Chronic inflammation from gum disease Poor blood sugar control further 
enters the bloodstream, contributing to 
compromises immune function, 
insulin resistance and difficulties in 
completing a vicious cycle.
controlling blood sugar.
Prevention and Management Strategies
Blood Sugar Management Professional Dental Care Daily Oral 
• Maintain HbA1c below 7% when possible • Schedule check-ups every 3-4 months H•yBrgusieh ntweice daily with fluoride toothpaste
• Take medications as prescribed • Inform dentist about diabetes status • Clean between teeth with floss or interdental 
• Monitor glucose levels regularly • Consider morning appointments when glucose brushes
• Follow recommended diet and exercise levels are more stable • Consider antimicrobial mouth rinse
• Seek prompt treatment for any oral issues • Stay hydrated to combat dry mouth
Conclusion: Why This Connection 
Matters
Understanding the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health 
offers significant opportunities for improved patient outcomes:
1 Integrated Care Approach
Medical and dental professionals must collaborate to screen, 
refer, and co-manage patients with both conditions.
2 Early Intervention
Dental exams can serve as an early warning system for undiagnosed 
diabetes, while diabetes management should include oral health 
monitoring.
3 Public Health 
Impact
Improving oral health could contribute to lower diabetes rates and reduce 
the £14 billion annual cost of diabetes to the NHS.
Reach Us At
Morningside Dental Care
4547 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, 
ON, M1E 2P1
416-282-1175
[email protected]
MorningsideDentalCare.ca