Oral health and diabetes: a guide for primary care nurses

Poor glycaemic control in diabetes has direct adverse consequences for gum, tooth and oral mucosal diseases. It is also the case that poor oral health can increase the risk of diabetes and worsen hyperglycaemia in pre-existing diabetes.¹ These links are often poorly recognised both by people with diabetes and the health care professionals.²

This article looks at oral health problems found with greater prevalence in diabetes and the consequences of poor oral health for glycaemic control. The focus is on people with diabetes who have periodontitis as this is the standout oral health concern particularly if glycaemic control is poor.³

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