Long before we had access to traditional diabetes tests, the condition may have left subtle clues inside the mouth.
Cosmetic dentist and author of Stop Diabetes Today, Dr Catrise Austin, says this is why many dentists spot diabetes before their patients know they have it.
“In my practice, the earliest signs of uncontrolled diabetes often appear in the mouth, making dentistry a critical part of the diabetes conversation,” Dr Austin told GB News.
Swollen, bleeding gums, frequent infections, slow healing after dental work, persistent dry mouth, and a higher risk of cavities can all signal blood sugar issues.
People living with diabetes face a greater chance of developing severe periodontal problems
|
GETTY
What’s more, there’s a two-way link between gum disease and diabetes that many people don’t realise exists.
“You cannot fully manage diabetes while ignoring chronic inflammation in the mouth. The infection doesn’t stay local-it affects the entire body,” Dr Austin explained.
People living with diabetes face a greater chance of developing severe periodontal problems, and what many don’t know is that untreated gum disease can also make blood sugar much harder to keep in check.
The connection is so strong that periodontal disease has been dubbed the “sixth complication of diabetes.”
And chronic inflammation sits at the heart of both conditions, creating a cycle that feeds itself.
Fortunately, remission is possible for many patients.
Dr Austin has witnessed people significantly improve their condition – and even achieve remission – by tackling inflammation early and sticking with it.
“When blood sugar stabilises, the gums stabilise. The mouth often reflects remission before the patient feels it,” she explained.
Those most likely to achieve this tend to act quickly after diagnosis, shed visceral fat, and commit to lasting lifestyle changes.
Nutrition, movement, and weight loss all play a vital role in this process. When blood sugar drops, gum tissue becomes healthier, bleeding reduces, and wounds heal faster.
In addition, it’s important to cut back on refined carbohydrates, which starve harmful bacteria in your mouth of their favourite fuel source.
Dr Austin sees the results firsthand – less plaque, reduced gum bleeding, and fewer flare-ups of periodontal inflammation.
Untreated gum disease can make blood sugar harder to keep in check
|
GETTYA low-carb approach can genuinely improve both blood sugar levels and what’s happening in your mouth.
Medication remains a perfectly valid option too – it’s a clinical tool, not a failure.
“Healthy gums are often one of the clearest indicators that a diabetes plan is truly effective,” Dr Austin noted. “Your mouth is not separate from your metabolism. It’s one of the first places diabetes reveals itself.”
