Dentists are uniquely positioned to detect diabetes early. Diabetes affects millions worldwide, yet nearly 25% of adults with the condition remain undiagnosed, according to The Lancet. Oral health professionals often see patients more frequently than primary care providers, making dental visits a critical opportunity for early detection.
Clinical signs such as persistent gum disease, xerostomia, and delayed healing are not just dental concerns—they can be indicators of systemic dysfunction.
In this article, we’ll examine the evidence behind oral-systemic links, outline the key oral manifestations of diabetes, and provide actionable protocols to help your team identify at-risk patients and coordinate care effectively.
In this article, we’ll explore how dentists are on the front lines of early diabetes detection, the oral signs you should watch for, and practical steps to protect your patients’ health—while strengthening your practice.
Why Dentists Can Spot Diabetes Early
Dentists see patients regularly, at least every six months, which means they’re in a unique position to notice patterns like:
- Persistent gum disease.
- Dry mouth or burning sensations.
- Frequent oral infections.
Research, like the INDICATE-2 trials in the UK, shows dental professionals can reliably identify patients at risk for diabetes or prediabetes. That creates a big opportunity to improve health outcomes and strengthen your role in whole-body care.
Five Oral Signs That May Signal Diabetes
- Gum disease that won’t go away
Bleeding gums, swelling, or loose teeth can signal uncontrolled blood sugar. - Dry mouth and burning sensations
Xerostomia and burning mouth syndrome often appear in diabetic patients. - Oral infections like thrush
Candidiasis or slow-healing abscesses are common when glucose levels run high. - Delayed healing after procedures
Sores or surgical sites that take longer to heal may indicate diabetes. - Thick saliva and bad breath
Glucose-rich saliva feeds bacteria, leading to odor and sticky saliva.
What Dental Professionals Can Do to Help
Both the ADA and CDC recommend dental teams stay alert and coordinate care. Here’s how:
- 'Screen all patients as at risk and conduct a thorough medical history and review of systems'
- Offer chairside blood glucose or HbA1c testing for high-risk patients.
- Train staff to use glucometers and handle hypo-/hyperglycemia emergencies.
- Refer patients to physicians for screening of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes when signs appear.
- Promote home oral care and regular dental follow-ups.
How to Talk to Patients About Risk
Use simple, reassuring language:
“I’m seeing signs that may relate to blood sugar. A quick health check with a doctor could help.”
Also be sure to provide:
- Educational handouts on oral-systemic health.
- Easy referrals for local physicians.
- Infographics showing mouth-body connections.
Benefits for Patients and Practices
- Better health outcomes: Early detection prevents complications.
- Stronger trust: Patients value proactive care.
- New revenue streams: Screenings and periodontal care align with systemic health.
- Collaboration: Build relationships with physicians and care teams.
|
Action Steps for Dental Teams |
|
|
1 |
Train staff to spot oral-diabetes signs |
|
2 |
Screen all patients as at risk and conduct a thorough medical history and review of systems. |
|
3 |
Set referral pathways |
|
4 |
Educate patients |
|
5 |
Document and follow up |
Oral Health and Diabetes FAQs
- Can dentists assess for diabetes?
Many practices offer chairside glucose or HbA1c tests for high-risk patients. - What mouth symptoms should I watch for?
Persistent gum disease, dry mouth, oral infections, and slow healing are common signs. - Why is dental screening important?
It helps catch diabetes early, improving overall health and reducing complications.
Ready to Take Action?
Start screening today, your patients’ health depends on it. For more patient education materials, get your copy of our guide to building healthy dental habits with kids.
*This article was reviewed for accuracy and relevance by licensed dental professionals.
Interested in joining the Solstice dental network?
Partner with a trusted leader in dental benefits and unlock access to thousands of potential patients. Our dedicated Provider Relations team is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call: 1.877.760.2247 (Option 2)
