Diabetes can have a significant impact on your oral health. High blood sugar levels can lead to more sugars in your saliva, which promotes the growth of harmful germs and plaque. This can irritate your gums, leading to gum disease, tooth decay, and even tooth loss. Gum disease can cause your gums to bleed, look red, and swell. If you manage your blood sugar well, you are less likely to experience these problems. Studies show that people who control their diabetes effectively are less likely to have gum disease and tend to lose fewer teeth. Additionally, having gum disease can make it harder to control your blood sugar levels, but treating gum disease can help improve them. To maintain good oral health, brush your teeth at least twice a day, floss daily, and use an antiseptic mouthwash. Regular dental check-ups are also crucial. Diabetes can also increase the risk of other mouth problems, such as thrush, a fungal infection that causes white or red patches in your mouth. Thrush can make it hard to swallow and affect how food tastes. If you have symptoms of thrush, see your doctor or dentist for treatment. Avoid smoking, maintain good blood sugar control, and clean your dentures daily if you wear them. Diabetes can also cause dry mouth, which can lead to soreness, ulcers, cavities, and salivary gland infections. Drinking more water, chewing sugar-free gum, or using a saliva substitute can help. If you have healing problems, it may take longer for your mouth to heal after dental surgery, increasing the risk of infection. Always inform your dentist if you have diabetes.