Oral health

High blood glucose levels can affect your mouth, teeth and gums. This means people living with diabetes have a higher risk of gum disease (periodontitis). Regular dental check-ups and good mouth care are an important part of diabetes self-management.

Why diabetes affects your mouth

• High blood glucose levels can increase glucose in your saliva. This feeds bacteria that form plaque, a sticky film that can lead to gum disease and tooth decay.
• Diabetes can reduce saliva, causing dry mouth, which raises the risk of infections, tooth decay and soreness.
• If gum disease becomes severe and affects the bone under your teeth, this is called periodontitis.
• Treating gum disease can help improve blood glucose control.

Common signs of gum or mouth problems

You may notice:

• bleeding gums
• sore or swollen gums
• bad breath
• gums that shrink or pull back
• new gaps between teeth
• tooth sensitivity to hot or cold
• pain when chewing
• loose teeth

If you notice any of these signs, speak to your dentist. Early treatment can prevent more serious infections or tooth loss.

How to look after your mouth

Daily care

• Brush twice a day for 2 minutes using a fluoride toothpaste
• Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes
• If you have dry mouth, drink water regularly

Healthy habits

• Keep blood glucose levels in your target range, as this lowers the risk of gum disease
• Stop smoking, it increases the risk of severe gum disease
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks

Dental check-ups

• You should have regular dental appointments. Your dentist will tell you how often you need to be seen.
• Tell your dentist you have diabetes.
• If gum disease is found, your dentist should offer treatment and follow-up care.

When to seek help

Contact your dentist if you notice:

• bleeding or sore gums
• loose teeth
• bad breath that doesn’t go away
• painful chewing
• a very dry mouth

If you are having problems getting dental care, speak to your GP or Diabetes team. They can support you with managing blood glucose, medication adjustments, or letters to support access to dental services.

Accessing dental care in Leeds

Please note, free care is not automatically given because of diabetes, but many people qualify through other criteria.

• Information: Healthwatch Leeds provides up to date information on local dental
• Eligibility for free NHS dental care: NHS guidance on who qualifies for free care
• Low-income support: If you are on a low income, you may be able to get full help (HC2 certificate) or partial help (HC3certificate). See guide on NHS low income scheme
• NHS Dentists: Search for NHS dentists taking new patients
• Urgent dental care: If you need urgent dental care and are not registered with a dentist call NHS 111, they can arrange an urgent appointment, sometimes at Leeds Dental Institute (training clinic).
• People with additional needs: The Leeds Community Healthcare Community Dental Service provides NHS dental care for people who cannot be treated in a general practice because of medical, sensory, learning disability, or other additional needs