Version 1.0.0, 1 July 2026. 003018-NDSS Key facts Diabetes can increase your risk of problems with your teeth and gums. Teeth and gum problems can also make your diabetes harder to manage. Dental health checks every 6 to 12 months help to keep your teeth and gums healthy. Protect your teeth and gums by brushing and flossing daily, eating healthy foods, and looking after your diabetes. Related pages Diabetes health checks Supporting someone with diabetes Blood glucose monitoring Healthy eating Find a health service Find a health professional or pharmacy in your area. On this page Diabetes and your teeth and gums Symptoms of teeth and gum problems Keeping your teeth and gums healthy Dental health checks When to see a health professional What this means for you More information and support Diabetes and your teeth and gums Taking care of your teeth and gums is important for both your oral (mouth) health and your overall health. When you live with diabetes this is extra important, because you are at higher risk of problems with your teeth and gums. These problems include: oral thrush (a fungal infection in your mouth) mouth ulcers changes in taste gum disease (including gingivitis and periodontitis) tooth decay and cavities tooth loss. Diabetes can cause a dry mouth and higher glucose levels in your saliva, both of which can affect the health of your teeth and gums. Some teeth and gum problems, such as gum disease, can also make your diabetes harder to manage. This is because inflammation can raise blood glucose levels. Symptoms of teeth and gum problems Signs and symptoms of teeth and gum problems can include: a dry mouth white patches in your mouth bad breath sore, red, swollen or bleeding gums receding gums (where your teeth start to appear longer) sensitive teeth toothache loose teeth. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t ignore them. Make an appointment to see your dentist. Keeping your teeth and gums healthy Regular cleaning and care of your teeth and gums helps to keep them healthy. Brush twice daily with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Clean between your teeth with floss or interdental brushes. Eat a healthy diet, limiting sugary foods and drinks. Rinse your mouth with water after treating a hypo. Drink tap water with fluoride rather than bottled water. Chew sugar-free gum to help make more saliva. Quit smoking, vaping and other tobacco products – call Quitline on 13 78 48 for help. It’s also important to work with your diabetes health professional to look after your diabetes and keep your blood glucose levels in your target range as much as possible. Dental health checks Treating teeth and gum problems early can help prevent further damage and tooth loss. Make sure you tell your dentist you have diabetes. Have a dental check every 6 to 12 months. Some people may need checks more often – ask your dentist or doctor how often you should have checks and teeth cleanings. Your dentist or doctor can check the health of your gums and teeth and look for signs of any problems, such as infection, swelling, or decay. If you have dentures, your dental professional will look for pressure spots and check the fit of your dentures. When to see your health professional Make an appointment with your dentist or doctor as soon as possible if you have any symptoms of mouth or teeth problems. Treatment will depend on the problem. What this means for you Having diabetes can increase your risk of teeth and gum problems. And some teeth and gum problems can affect your diabetes. So, it’s important to take steps to keep your mouth and teeth healthy and have regular dental health checks. See your dentist or diabetes professional if you have any problems with your mouth, teeth or gums. More information and support Call the NDSS Helpline on 1800 637 600 and ask to speak to a health professional about managing your diabetes. Find out more about diabetes and how to manage it by accessing support programs and information sessions. Learn more about oral health and dental care by visiting Teeth.org.au, created by the Australian Dental Association. Disclaimer This information is intended as a guide only. It should not replace individual medical advice and if you have any concerns about your health or further questions, you should contact your health professional. Sources The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP). Management of type 2 diabetes: A handbook for general practice. East Melbourne, Vic: RACGP, 2024. https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/7c05e922-ab1f-4301-aab7-f4f9b638cb66/Management-of-type-2-diabetes-A-handbook-for-general-practice.aspx (accessed Dec 2025). NSW Health. Diabetes and oral health. https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/oralhealth/prevention/Pages/diabetes-and-oral-health-factsheet.aspx (accessed Dec 2025). Queensland Government. Diabetes and oral health. https://www.qld.gov.au/health/staying-healthy/oral-health/information-for/people-living-with-disability-or-health-conditions/diabetes-and-oral-health (updated Mar 2022, accessed Dec 2025). NIDDK. Diabetes, gum disease, and other dental problems. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/gum-disease-dental-problems (reviewed Jan 2022; accessed Dec 2025). Simpson TC, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV, et al. Treatment of periodontitis for glycaemic control in people with diabetes mellitus. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2022, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004714. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004714.pub4. https://www.cochrane.org/evidence/CD004714_does-treatment-gum-disease-help-people-diabetes-control-blood-sugar-levels (accessed Dec 2025). Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Understanding the connection between gum disease and diabetes. https://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/news/2025/10/understanding-connection-between-gum-disease-and-diabetes (Oct 2025; accessed Apr 2026).
