Diabetes, Diet and Dental Health: Why Your Mouth Matters

The link between diabetes and dental health

People with diabetes have a higher risk of developing gum disease (also called periodontal disease), dry mouth, and other dental issues. This is because high blood glucose levels can make it harder for your body to fight infections - including those in the mouth. In turn, any infections in your mouth can increase the level of glucose in your blood.

Common problems include:

• Gum disease – where the tissues around the teeth become inflamed and/or infected
• Dry mouth – which can increase the risk of tooth decay and bad breath
• Delayed healing – making it harder for the gums to recover from injury or infection

There is a two-way relationship between diabetes and gum health. Poor oral health can make it more difficult to manage blood glucose levels, while high blood glucose can make gum problems worse. Keeping your mouth healthy and clean can help improve your overall diabetes management.

How diet affects oral health

Most people know about the negative effects of sugar on your teeth. However, beyond sugary snacks, the foods you eat every day can support - or damage - your dental health.

Fortunately, many of the foods that support stable blood glucose levels also benefit your teeth and gums.

Practical tips for a healthier mouth:

1. Clean your teeth (and dentures if you wear them)
   Thoroughly brush your teeth and gums every morning and before bed, using a toothpaste which contains fluoride. This helps to remove the build-up of bacteria which causes tooth decay and gum disease. Flossing daily removes the build-up of bacteria in between teeth and below the gum line. Regular cleaning helps to heal any wounds or infections, however you should see your dentist if this doesn’t improve within a few days.
   
   
2. Limit sugary snacks and drinks
   Foods and drinks that contain a lot of sugar, such as lollies, soft drinks, cakes, and fruit juice, can feed harmful bacteria in the mouth and lead to tooth decay and gum disease. This is an even bigger problem if these foods are also acidic (for example with concentrated fruit juices), because the acid dissolves the tooth’s enamel, or its protective coating, as well as increasing levels of bacteria. Products with added sugar, often have a high glycaemic index (GI), and are much more likely to cause a spike in your blood glucose levels after consuming them. Replace these with nutrient - dense snacks such as natural yoghurt with fruit, unsalted nuts, or low fat cheese with wholegrain crackers.
   
   
3. Drink lots of water
   Water helps rinse away food particles and keeps the mouth hydrated. A dry mouth is more common in people with diabetes (due to certain medications, or caused by raised blood glucose levels) and can increase the risk of tooth decay. Tap water is ideal, as most of the tap water in Victoria contains fluoride, which helps protect teeth by strengthening the enamel (a tooth’s protective coating).
   
   
4. Include crunchy, high-fibre vegetables
   Raw vegetables like carrot sticks, celery, and cucumber can help stimulate saliva (spit) to gently clean the teeth and gums. They are also low in carbohydrates and rich in nutrients.
   
   
5. Choose calcium-rich foods
   Teeth are made of similar material to bones, so including calcium-rich foods - such as milk, cheese, and yoghurt -helps support strong, healthy teeth. If you follow a dairy-free diet, make sure to include plant – based calcium sources like kale, broccoli, tofu and fortified – plant-based milks.
   
   
6. Be mindful of acidic foods and drinks
   Highly acidic items, such as vinegar, citrus fruits, and diet soft drinks, can wear away the enamel that protects your teeth. After eating or drinking acidic foods/drinks, rinse with water and wait at least 30 minutes before brushing your teeth. There is some confusing misinformation about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar and diabetes, you can read our previous membership matters article on this topic here.

Don’t forget the dentist

Regular dental check-ups are essential for everyone, but particularly important for people living with diabetes. Dentists can detect early signs of gum disease and help prevent more serious complications.

Aim to see a dentist at least once a year - or more often if advised. Be sure to let your dentist know that you have diabetes and take your medications with you to show them, so they can provide appropriate care and advice.

Watch out for early signs of dental problems, such as:

• Bleeding or swollen gums
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• A dry or sticky feeling in the mouth

Prompt treatment can help protect both your dental and general health.

In summary

Maintaining good oral health is an important part of managing diabetes. A balanced diet, regular brushing and flossing, drinking plenty of water, and routine dental visits can all help protect your teeth and gums.

Looking after your mouth is more than just cosmetic - it’s a simple, everyday way to support your long-term health and improve your diabetes outcomes.