Periodontitis and diabetes: an interaction in both directions

Anyone struggling to get their blood sugar under control should also think about their gums.

Dentistry – and the field of prevention in particular – is developing quickly. Our editors sift through the wealth of information and put together what is new and worth knowing:

11.02.2026

Periodontitis and diabetes: an interaction in both directions

The connection holds in both directions. Poorly controlled diabetes encourages inflammation in the tooth-supporting structures. Conversely, untreated periodontitis makes blood sugar harder to control.

For those affected that is good news: treating the gums works in two places at once. After successful periodontitis treatment, blood sugar can in many cases be managed more easily.

Anyone with diabetes should raise it at the dental practice unprompted — and, the other way round, mention bleeding gums to their doctor.

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