The Link Between Diabetes and Dental Health
Managing blood glucose levels is just one part of diabetes health management. Less visible, but just as important are all the things that help to keep your glucose levels in check.
The connection between glucose levels and dental health is strong.
Poor oral hygiene can make diabetes management more difficult, more costly and certainly more painful.
How Diabetes Impacts Dental Health
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to fight infection. Poor oral hygiene can impact gums, making them more vulnerable to inflammation and disease. People with diabetes are at higher risk of:
- Periodontal disease (gum disease)
- Dry mouth, which can lead to ulcers and infections
- Delayed healing after dental procedures
- Oral thrush and other fungal infections
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), chronic conditions like diabetes significantly increase the likelihood of experiencing oral health issues such as toothache, broken teeth and pain related to dental health.
Annual Cycle of Care
Surprisingly, dental visits are not formally included in the Annual Cycle of Care for diabetes in Australia. The annual cycle typically covers blood pressure checks, HbA1c levels, cholesterol, kidney function, podiatry visits and eye exams, but oral health is missing from the checklist.
Given the importance of oral hygiene, Diabetes Victoria have included periodic checks in the FREE downloadable checklist.
There is strong evidence linking oral health to diabetes management and better health outcomes. Advocacy groups and health professionals have long called for dental care to be included in chronic disease management plans.
The Cost of Dental Care
In Australia, most people pay for dental care out of their own pocket. In just one year (2021–22), Australians spent $11.1 billion on dental services and 60% of that came directly from individuals, not from government or insurance.
On average, each person spent about $432 on dental care. But for those living with diabetes, the costs can be much higher. This is because diabetes can lead to more serious dental problems like gum disease, which requires extra care.
Treating gum disease could look like:
- Several dental visits each year
- Special cleaning treatments
- Increased possibility of surgery
These treatments can cost anywhere from $1,000 or even up to $2,000 per year, especially if you don’t have private health insurance.
When Things Get Serious
If dental issues are left untreated, they can escalate quickly for people with diabetes. Severe gum disease can lead to tooth loss, infection, and worsened blood sugar management control.
In extreme cases, untreated oral infections can result in hospitalisation.
An Apple a Day
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away but when it comes to the dentist, you should do all that you can to keep your appointments!ad
With all the research, it’s clear that dental health is not a luxury, it’s a vital part of managing diabetes.
With rising costs and limited public funding, Australians living with diabetes face significant barriers to maintaining oral health. If you’re concerned about this issue, contact your local MP and share your concerns about dental health and diabetes.
Ask for dental care to be included in chronic disease management plans and for more funding for public dental services.
Jo Walsh
Digital Communications Lead
Jo is a experienced digital communications professional with 20 years of experience in the digital space. With a strong technical foundation in social media strategy and website development, she brings both creativity and precision to her work.
Jo is also a passionate advocate for peer support, drawing on her lived experience with type 1 diabetes wishing to highlight the importance of connection within communities.
