Is a tooth infection more dangerous if you have diabetes?

Yes, diabetes can make a tooth infection more concerning, especially if your blood sugar is not well-controlled. Uncontrolled diabetes is linked with more frequent and more severe infections and slower healing. Illness or infection can also make blood sugar harder to manage. 

What you will learn in this article: 

• Poorly controlled diabetes can make infections harder to manage and slow healing. 

• Illness or infection can make blood sugar harder to control. 

• An untreated tooth abscess can spread beyond the tooth and cause serious complications. 

• Treating gum disease may help improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes. 

If you have diabetes and think you may have a tooth infection, schedule an appointment with an Aspen Dental provider. They can check the tooth, explain what treatment may be needed and help you manage your dental care with your overall health in mind. 

Why diabetes makes tooth infections riskier 

According to the American Dental Association, uncontrolled diabetes can lead to more frequent and more severe infections and delayed wound healing.¹ That does not mean every person with diabetes will have a severe dental infection, but blood sugar control matters. 

MedlinePlus notes that illness or infection can cause blood glucose to become too high or too low in people with diabetes. It also says diabetes-related glucose levels in saliva can create conditions that let harmful bacteria multiply in the mouth.² These are good reasons to have a possible dental infection checked promptly. 

How gum infections and blood sugar affect each other 

Diabetes and gum health are closely connected. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a link between diabetes and periodontal disease, a leading cause of tooth loss. Adults 20 and older with diabetes are also 40% more likely than those without diabetes to have an untreated cavity.³

The CDC also reports that treating gum disease can improve blood sugar control in people with diabetes.³ That evidence applies to gum disease treatment. It does not mean treating every type of tooth infection will directly lower your blood sugar.

What can happen if a tooth infection isn't treated 

A tooth infection can spread if it is not treated. MedlinePlus says an untreated tooth abscess can spread to soft tissue, the jaw bone, the blood or other parts of the body. In some cases, the complications can become life-threatening.⁴ 

Diabetes does not mean these complications will happen. But because poorly controlled diabetes can make infections more severe and slow healing, getting dental care promptly is important. 

Warning signs to watch for 

Some signs mean you need urgent care. MedlinePlus says a serious infection that spreads into the tissues under the tongue and in the neck can cause symptoms such as:⁵ 

• Trouble breathing  

• Trouble swallowing  

• Swelling under your jaw or in your neck  

• Fever with a worsening dental infection  

These signs can mean the infection is spreading. Call 911 or go to an emergency room if you have trouble breathing. Get urgent medical or dental care if you have trouble swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling under your jaw or in your neck or a fever with a worsening dental infection.

Signs that need a prompt dental visit (not an emergency room) 

See your dental provider soon if you have: 

• A toothache that does not go away 

• Pain when you bite or chew 

• Swelling around one tooth 

• A bad or bitter taste in your mouth 

• Sensitivity to hot or cold 

Don't wait for a suspected infection to get worse. Your dental provider can find the cause and recommend the right treatment. 

What treatment can do for you 

Treatment depends on what is causing the infection and how serious it is. A tooth abscess may need a root canal, extraction or drainage. Antibiotics may also be used in some cases. 

Your dental provider will also want to know how well your diabetes is controlled because blood sugar can affect healing. If you also have gum disease, treating it may help improve blood sugar control, as noted above. 

If you have diabetes and a tooth infection, don’t put off treatment. Talk with your dental provider about your symptoms, blood sugar control and medications so your care team can plan the right next steps. 

Is tooth infection more dangerous if you have diabetes? FAQs 

Still have questions about diabetes and dental infections? These answers cover a few common concerns. 

Should I tell my dentist about my diabetes medications before treatment?  

Yes. Tell your dental provider which medicines you take and how well your blood sugar has been controlled. Bring your most recent A1C result if you have it. This information can help your care team plan treatment safely. 

Can diabetes cause dry mouth, and does that raise my infection risk?  

It can. People with diabetes are more likely to experience dry mouth, which reduces saliva flow. Saliva helps clear bacteria and food from your teeth and gums. Less saliva means bacteria stay in contact with your teeth longer, which raises the risk of cavities and gum infections. If your mouth feels consistently dry, mention it at your next dental visit — it is a manageable problem with the right care plan. 

Does treating my gum infection actually help my diabetes? 

It can help with blood sugar control. Periodontal treatment does not replace your diabetes care, but keeping your gums healthy can be an important part of managing your overall health. 

How often should I see a dentist if I have diabetes?  

Most people benefit from seeing a dentist twice a year. If your blood sugar has been difficult to control, or if you have a history of gum disease, your dentist may recommend visits every three to four months. More frequent cleanings reduce the bacterial load in your mouth and give your care team a chance to catch problems before they become infections. Regular dental care is one of the more direct ways to support your overall diabetes management. 

Sources 

¹ American Dental Association: “Diabetes.” https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/diabetes 

² National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus: “Diabetes Complications.” https://medlineplus.gov/diabetescomplications.html 

³ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Division of Oral Health: “Diabetes and Oral Health Facts.” https://www.cdc.gov/oral-health/data-research/facts-stats/fast-facts-diabetes-and-oral-health.html 

⁴ National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Medical Encyclopedia: “Tooth abscess.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001060.htm 

⁵ National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus, Medical Encyclopedia: “Ludwig angina.” https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001047.htm