If you’re one of the many Long Islanders living with diabetes, you likely keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels, diet, and general health. But your gum health might not be on your radar — and it absolutely should be.
Research has shown that diabetes and periodontal disease (gum disease) are closely linked. In fact, people with diabetes are at a significantly higher risk of developing gum infections. At our Long Island periodontal practice in New York, we frequently see how this connection affects our patients — and more importantly, how it can be managed with the right care.
Here’s what you need to know about the diabetes-gum disease connection, and how to protect your oral health.
The Two-Way Street: How Diabetes and Gum Disease Affect Each Other
Diabetes and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship, meaning one can make the other worse.
How Diabetes Affects Your Gums:
- High blood sugar levels can weaken your immune response, making it harder for your body to fight off bacterial infections, including those in your mouth.
- Diabetes can cause reduced saliva flow, which creates a dry environment where bacteria thrive.
- Over time, high glucose in saliva feeds harmful bacteria, increasing plaque buildup and gum inflammation.
How Gum Disease Affects Diabetes:
- Periodontal infections can cause chronic inflammation, which raises blood sugar levels and makes diabetes harder to control.
- This can lead to a vicious cycle where poor gum health and poor diabetes control keep reinforcing each other.
Signs of Gum Disease Diabetic Patients Should Watch For
If you have diabetes, you may experience gum problems more quickly and severely than someone without the condition. Look out for:
- Red, swollen, or tender gums
- Gums that bleed when brushing or flossing
- Receding gums or teeth that appear “longer”
- Loose teeth or shifting bite
- Persistent bad breath
If any of these sound familiar, don’t ignore them. The earlier gum disease is treated, the better the outcome.
5 Ways to Protect Your Gums if You Have Diabetes
Here are expert tips we recommend to our Long Island patients with diabetes to help prevent gum disease and stay in control of their health:
1. Maintain Excellent Blood Sugar Control
Stable blood sugar levels are key to keeping your gums (and the rest of your body) healthy.
2. Brush and Floss Daily
Brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush and toothpaste. Flossing daily is especially important to remove plaque between the teeth and along the gumline.
3. Visit a Periodontist Regularly
People with diabetes benefit from more frequent cleanings and checkups to monitor for early signs of gum disease. We often recommend visits every 3–4 months.
4. Be Honest About Your Medical History
Let your dental provider know if your diabetes has been hard to control. We’ll tailor your care and watch for subtle signs of trouble.
5. Eat a Diabetes-Friendly Diet
What’s good for your blood sugar is also good for your gums. A diet low in refined sugars and high in fiber helps reduce inflammation.
Why Long Island Diabetics Should Prioritize Gum Health
In Suffolk and Nassau Counties, more than 1 in 10 adults live with diabetes, and many are unaware of the impact it has on their oral health. As a periodontist based right here in Long Island, NY, I’ve seen firsthand how taking a proactive approach to gum care can dramatically improve a diabetic patient’s quality of life.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been managing diabetes for years, we’re here to help you protect your smile and your health.
Schedule Your Periodontal Evaluation Today
If you have diabetes and haven’t had a gum checkup in the last six months, now is the time. today to schedule a consultation. Your gums — and your entire body — will thank you.