Why Your Mouth Matters in Diabetes

Your mouth is part of your whole body, not a separate place. Diabetes can affect your teeth, your gums and the tissue inside your mouth.

That is why mouth care has a place in your diabetes care. It belongs in your everyday habits, not only in the dentist's chair.

Saliva is the wet fluid in your mouth. The glucose in it tends to rise and fall with your blood sugar.

That sugar feeds the bacteria in plaque. Plaque is the sticky film that forms on your teeth every day. It is a bit like crumbs on a counter, drawing in ants.

Mouth problems can make it harder to feel well. They can also get in the way of everyday tasks, like eating and brushing.

Good mouth care helps everyone, with or without diabetes. If pain or bleeding gets in the way, tell your care team.

Key takeaways

• Your mouth is part of your whole body.
• Sugar in saliva tends to follow your blood sugar and can feed plaque bacteria.
• Mouth problems can get in the way of daily life, so good care is worth it for everyone.

Try it

Tonight, look at your teeth and gums in the bathroom mirror and notice their color.