When it comes to managing diabetes, the conversation typically centers on blood sugar, insulin, and diet. However, one critical piece of the equation that usually goes unmentioned: oral health. For those who have diabetes, poor oral care can result in a chain of health issues, not only affecting teeth and gums, but possibly overall body health as well.

For millions living with diabetes, maintaining a healthy mouth is not just about preventing cavities or bad breath—it’s about safeguarding against serious complications that can affect the entire body. As diabetes rates soar globally, understanding the unique oral health challenges faced by diabetics is more important than ever.

Your mouth can reveal a lot about your health. Swollen, bleeding, or receding gums; loose teeth or missing teeth; and bad breath that won't go away are all symptoms of gum disease—something diabetes patients are particularly susceptible to. Gingivitis (mild gum disease) and periodontitis (advanced gum disease) both begin with plaque, a sticky layer of bacteria that forms on teeth. Although the bacteria themselves are not specific to diabetics, the body's inflammatory reaction to the bacteria tends to be increased in diabetics, particularly with poor blood sugar control. That enhanced inflammation may result in the loss of tissue under the teeth, ultimately leading to a loss of the teeth if not treated.

The primary distinction for individuals who have diabetes is not the bacteria involved but the increased inflammatory response of the body. Uncontrolled blood sugars enhance this inflammation, which causes wear on the tissues that hold teeth in place. This can ultimately cause teeth to fall out.

Dr. Jaineel Parekh, Orthodontist at Laxmi Dental Limited, points out, "Diabetes is a rising health issue in India, and it affects millions. Oral health is heavily linked to diabetes control, as people with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, which in turn can make it more difficult to control blood sugar levels."

Why Diabetics Are at Higher Risk?

Another less frequently discussed but common symptom in diabetics is dry mouth, or xerostomia. The cause can be aging, drugs, or diabetes itself. A deficiency in saliva hampers the mouth's capacity to cleanse itself naturally, and food particles, acids, and bacteria remain. This speeds up tooth decay and gum disease.

Hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) also cause special oral health effects. Excessive sugar levels may provide an environment conducive to fungal infections such as thrush and can retard recovery from dental procedures. Hypoglycemia management with sugar-containing substances can cause a sudden surge in mouth acidity, which can erode enamel if oral hygiene is not immediately done. Individuals with diabetes are predisposed to oral conditions for numerous reasons:

Inflammatory Response: Diabetes increases the body's inflammatory response to oral bacteria, causing gum disease to be more severe and more difficult to treat.

Dry Mouth: Medications, aging, or diabetes can all decrease saliva flow, causing dry mouth. Saliva helps to remove food particles, sugars, acids, and bacteria from the mouth. Without saliva, toxic substances remain, raising the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Fluctuations in Blood Sugar: Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) episodes can both affect dental health. Hypoglycemia tends to necessitate sweetened treatments, which are mouth-acidifying and cavity-promoting, particularly if oral care isn't immediate (as at night). Hyperglycemia, by contrast, tends to dry the mouth and raise salivary sugar levels, providing a fertile ground for bacterial and fungal infection such as thrush.

Impaired Healing: High blood sugar compromises the immune system and slows down healing, which makes it more difficult for the mouth to heal. from infections, surgery, or trauma

Effective Oral Care for Individuals With Diabetes

The majority of these complications do not develop overnight. With regular care, diabetic patients can have great oral health. Here are evidence-supported strategies to save your smile:

1. Master the Fundamentals of Daily Care

Brush two times a day, using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Brushing should last two minutes, covering all surfaces—outer, inner, and chewing, according to the American Dental Association. Remember daily flossing to remove plaque between teeth and beneath the gum line. For those who dislike flossing, interdental brushes are useful substitutes.

2. Get Regular Dental Checkups

Strive for a visit to the dentist every six months. In instances of extensive gum disease, more cleaning visits (every three months) are suggested. Dentists can provide focused treatments, such as antibacterial mouthwashes or fluoride varnishes, and monitor changes in your oral health.

"A few good habits are practiced regularly," Dr. Parekh adds. "Dental flossing, brushing teeth, regular check-ups, and a good diet all help to prevent decay and gum disease."

3. Optimize Blood Sugar Control

Stable blood glucose aids in lowering dry mouth, preventing plaque formation, and enhancing immunity. Both high and low sugar levels have detrimental effects on oral health, so adhering to a well-managed diabetes care plan is essential.

4. Use Specialized Equipment for Improved Hygiene

Electric toothbrushes may be especially beneficial for individuals with dexterity issues. Sugar-free gum stimulates saliva, which mitigates dry mouth. Cheese and water at meals can also neutralize acids and aid in enamel health.

5. Drink Plenty and Stop Smoking

Dry mouth is worsened by dehydration. Drink water frequently, particularly after hypoglycemic treatment or sweets. Smoking complicates gum disease and impairs healing; stopping can significantly enhance oral and systemic well-being.

6. Brush Twice Daily

Use a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristle toothbrush, brushing for two minutes at least each time. Position the brush at a 45-degree angle against the gums and brush all surfaces well. Electric toothbrushes can be particularly useful for individuals with compromised dexterity.

7. Floss Once a Day

Everyday flossing eliminates plaque and food from between the teeth and along the gum line. If regular flossing is challenging, try using interdental brushes or water flossers.

Surprisingly, dentists can even identify signs of undiagnosed diabetes. According to a study published in BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care, almost one in every five individuals who have severe gum disease are likely to have undiagnosed type 2 diabetes. This again supports the notion that dental treatment should be included in diabetes care.

Oral pathogens may enter the bloodstream, initiating inflammation that leads to cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis and putting them at risk for respiratory infection such as pneumonia. The connection between oral and general health is particularly important to those who have chronic illnesses such as diabetes.

"Neglecting oral hygiene is not only doing a disservice to the mouth," Dr. Parekh says. "It has the potential to affect heart health, respiratory function, and overall quality of life."

Oral care must be a foundation of diabetes treatment. With good habits and frequent professional care, diabetics can help safeguard their teeth, gums, and overall health. Summing up, as Dr. Parekh says, "Good oral hygiene is important for diabetic patients not to develop complications. Brush, floss, dental visits every six months, and a healthy diet are the keys to long-term health.".

Mental health is a complex system, even though researchers have been looking at different aspects of it, there is a lot more we need to learn. For many, mental health problems lack physical symptoms, which leads them to dismiss mental health concerns as real issues. Many people believe that mental health issues can be cured if people think in a certain type of way or avoid doing certain things. However, it is not that simple.

However, thinking that mental health issues do not manifest in physical symptoms is wrong. According to the Mental Health Foundation, mental health and physical health are two-way streets. Physical health problems can greatly increase your risk of developing mental health problems, and mental health challenges can, in turn, affect your physical well-being.

Physical Effects of Suffering Mental Health

Research clearly shows that individuals dealing with mental health issues are more prone to developing preventable physical conditions, such as heart disease. Beyond that, mental health problems frequently come with noticeable physical symptoms. Since our bodies and minds aren't separate entities, it's not surprising that mental ill-health can manifest physically. For instance, people can have symptoms like

• Headaches
• Fatigue
• Digestive problems.
• Anxiety often leads to an upset stomach.
• Insomnia
• Restlessness
• difficulty concentrating.

These symptoms underscore that what's happening in your mind can have a very real impact on your health.

How Our Minds Affect Our Bodies

According to a 2023 study published in the Frontiers in Psychiatry, it's common for people to experience both mental and physical health problems at the same time. However, in many medical settings, doctors don't fully understand just how much our mental well-being can impact our physical body. People with diagnosed mental illnesses, in particular, face a higher risk of developing long-term physical health issues. They're often at a disadvantage because our healthcare system tends to treat the mind and body as completely separate.

Three Key Areas Affected Due To Mental Health

To learn more about this connection, researchers closely examined 30 in-depth interviews. These interviews were conducted with individuals who had serious mental illnesses or with their family members. The researchers specifically selected participants who had significant experiences with both physical and mental health symptoms occurring at the same time.

The study revealed common physical health challenges for people with mental illness, highlighting that mental and physical symptoms influence each other in both directions. We identified three main themes:

How Mental States Show Up Physically

Participants talked about how their bodies physically reacted to their mental states, like stress causing stomach aches or anxiety leading to headaches.

Challenges Getting Medical Care

They shared difficult experiences trying to get treatment for their physical symptoms while also dealing with a mental health condition. Sometimes, doctors might focus only on the mental health aspect, missing the physical problem.

Confusing Healthcare System

Participants spoke about the difficulties of navigating a healthcare system where mental and physical health services aren't well-coordinated, making it hard to get comprehensive care.

Why Do Mental Health Struggles Manifest Physically?

The Mental Health Foundation explains that people who have mental health issues often also have preventable physical health problems like heart problems.

Shared Genetic Risk: The genes making you prone to mental health issues might also increase your risk for certain physical conditions.

Low Energy & Motivation: Mental health problems or medications can drain your energy, making self-care difficult.

Difficulty with Appointments: Impaired concentration or planning due to mental health can make it hard to arrange or attend medical visits.

Lack of Lifestyle Support: Healthcare providers may wrongly assume you can't make healthy changes, withholding support for things like quitting smoking or drinking.

Delayed Medical Help: Your physical symptoms might be misattributed to your mental illness, leading to less investigation and fewer routine checks that could catch physical issues earlier.

When we hear about blood pressure, it's often in the context of hypertension — the "silent killer" that increases long-term risk for heart attacks and strokes. But there’s another side to the story that can be just as dangerous, if not more immediately deadly. Blood pressure is more than just a pair of numbers on your doctor’s chart—it’s a vital sign of how well your heart and blood vessels are delivering life-sustaining oxygen and nutrients to every organ in your body.

While most people are familiar with the risks of high blood pressure, the dangers of a sudden drop in blood pressure, or acute hypotension, are often underestimated and sometimes misunderstood but can such a drop be fatal? A sudden drop in blood pressure, known as acute hypotension. While occasional dizziness or lightheadedness may seem harmless, in some cases, a rapid decline in blood pressure can trigger a chain reaction that may ultimately result in organ failure or even death.

Also Read: Japanese Diet for Depression: How Washoku Foods Can Improve Mental Health

What Happens When Blood Pressure Plummets?

Blood pressure is measured as two numbers: systolic (the pressure as your heart beats) and diastolic (the pressure as your heart rests between beats). According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, a normal reading for healthy adults is under 120/80 mmHg. When blood pressure falls below 90/60 mmHg, it’s considered low, or hypotension.

A sudden decrease—even a drop of just 20 mmHg in systolic pressure—can cause symptoms like dizziness, confusion, and fainting. More severe drops can be catastrophic, as Dr. S.S. Sibia, Cardiologist & Director at Sibia Medical Center Ludhiana, explains, "A sudden loss of blood pressure, or acute hypotension, can actually lead to death. Blood pressure helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. If BP suddenly falls, the body may not be in a state to maintain regular blood flow, leading to severe complications."

What Causes The Blood Pressure To Drop Suddenly?

There are several causes of acute hypotension, and they often intersect. Here are the most common physiological triggers:

Hypovolemia

A drop in blood volume due to bleeding, vomiting, or dehydration

Decreased cardiac output

When the heart fails to pump enough blood, often due to a massive heart attack

Vasodilation

Widening of blood vessels in conditions like sepsis or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

Hypotensive syndrome

A term used when multiple factors contribute to a sudden drop in blood pressure

Dr. Yogendra Singh Rajput, Associate Director of Cardiology at Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, notes, "The most common cause of sudden drop in blood pressure is massive heart attack. Any massive heart attack of right side or a right coronary artery can lead to a sudden drop... ultimately the patient can die." He adds that internal bleeding — such as from a ruptured gastric ulcer — or extreme dehydration from vomiting or loose motions, are other serious culprits.

Symptoms of Sudden Low Blood Pressure

When blood pressure drops quickly, the body doesn't get enough oxygen, especially the brain. That’s why many of the early symptoms are neurologic in nature:

• Dizziness or fainting
• Confusion or disorientation
• Blurred vision
• Lightheadedness
• Heart palpitations
• Cold, clammy skin
• Headache
• Rapid breathing

These signs may appear suddenly, sometimes with no warning. In severe cases, the person may lose consciousness or go into shock, a life-threatening condition. "Warning symptoms include dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, fainting, and cold or sweaty skin," says Dr. Sibia. "Some may ignore these symptoms, assuming they are insignificant, but ignoring them can delay treatment and worsen outcomes."

"Acute hypotension is a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure that can be deadly if not treated right away," says Dr. Rahul Mehrotra, Chief - NIC & Clinical Cardiology, Artemis Hospitals. "When BP gets too low, these organs don't get enough blood, which can lead to organ failure and even death." Dr. Mehrotra highlights the top medical emergencies that often result in sudden hypotension:

• Major bleeding (from trauma or internal injuries)
• Heart attack
• Sepsis, a life-threatening infection
• Anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction
• Severe dehydration

He further emphasizes that not all cases of low BP are dangerous. "When blood pressure is low but not too low, it usually isn't a big deal for healthy people. But a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure should never be ignored."

How Fast Can A Drop In Blood Pressure Turn Fatal?

The progression from a sudden drop in blood pressure to life-threatening complications can be rapid. When blood flow to vital organs is interrupted, shock can develop within minutes, leading to organ failure and, if untreated, death.

Dr. Yogendra explains, "Sometime a sudden drop in the blood pressure may be because of sudden loss of fluid inside the body like severe dehydration due to loose motions, due to excessive vomiting, due to excessive blood loss, due to internal organ injury or due to internal blood loss in the form of rupture of gastric ulcer. So there are many things which can cause drop in the blood pressure and ultimately patient may succumb to death."

When Is a Low Blood Pressure considered an Emergency?

While some people live with chronically low blood pressure without symptoms, a sudden and significant drop—especially with symptoms—should always be treated as a medical emergency. Dr. Mehrotra emphasizes, "You should never ignore a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure. IV fluids, medications, and emergency procedures are all examples of timely medical care that can save lives. In short, a sudden drop in blood pressure can be deadly if you don't get help. Being able to see the warning signs early can make a big difference."

While a slight drop in blood pressure can occur from something as benign as standing up too fast, a sudden and unexplained dip should not be taken lightly. Acute hypotension is not just about numbers on a monitor — it’s about how the body responds when critical systems are deprived of oxygen-rich blood.

As Dr. Rajput puts it bluntly, "Yes, a sudden drop in blood pressure can cause sudden death." While mild, brief episodes may cause only dizziness, a rapid and significant decline can be life-threatening, especially if it signals a heart attack, severe bleeding, sepsis, or anaphylaxis. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking immediate medical help can be the difference between recovery and tragedy.

Disclaimer: If you or someone around you experiences sudden and unexplained symptoms of low blood pressure, treat it as a true emergency. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis, treatment, or concerns about your health.

Somedays start with a sour mood, whether it is because you woke up in a bad state, your daily routine is disrupted or because you had an unpleasant interaction that day. These things are normal and so is being in a bad mood sometimes for no reason. But did you know, this bad mood can be triggered by your skin? A recent clinical study suggests that the bacteria living on our skin might actually play a part in how happy we feel and how stressed we get.

Research Finds Skin-Mood Connection

Dermatologists have found that having more of a specific skin bacterium, called Cutibacterium, is linked to better moods and less stress. This connection was clearest when scientists took skin samples from people's faces or underarms. Cutibacterium is a helpful germ that naturally lives on healthy human skin. It acts like a protector, keeping bad bacteria from growing too much.

How They Found the Link

The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, involved 53 people. They provided skin samples from their face, scalp, forearm, and underarm. They also filled out surveys about their stress levels, how well they slept, and their general mood.

The researchers saw a clear pattern; higher levels of Cutibacterium were associated with improved mental well-being. They found that more Cutibacterium meant people reported significantly lower stress. The bacterium found in the underarms was also linked to both lower stress and better moods, including feeling happier and less tense.

How Your Brain And Skin Communicate

The researchers explain that our skin is a complex organ that consists of several nerves, immune cells, and even its own little "brain" system that can make and respond to chemicals like serotonin and dopamine which are linked to happiness. Through nerves, special chemicals, and immune cells, your skin can influence and be influenced by stress, inflammation, and even the tiny microbes (germs) living on your skin.

"Skin-Brain Axis" Theory

These findings support an idea called the "skin-brain axis." This theory suggests that our skin and our mental state can actually influence each other. Researchers explained that while we've known gut bacteria can affect our mood, the role of skin bacteria has been less understood until now.

However, this is not the only time researchers have explored this connection. In a 2025 study published in the Clinics in Dermatology, the researchers explain that our skin and brain "talk" to each other. This two-way communication can change the way skincare products work.

The researchers explained that this is a new field called neurocosmetics which is a combination of neurology, dermatology as well as mental health. The goal of neurocosmetics is to create skincare products that not only make your skin healthier but also make you feel better emotionally.

Neurocosmetics are a new kind of skincare product that you apply to your skin. These products are designed to work with your skin's nerve system to improve both your skin's health and your emotional well-being.

Unlike treatments for skin conditions that are caused by emotional problems (which is called psychodermatology), neurocosmetics take a more active approach. They aim to improve your mood, reduce skin reactions caused by stress, and create a better balance between your skin and your brain.

Beyond Just Skin Health

This exciting discovery could lead to new skincare products that benefit both our mental health and our skin health. Unilever, a company deeply invested in this research with over 30,000 skin microbiome samples and many related patents, believes these findings are a significant step forward.

The idea of neurocosmetics is growing. Scientists want to understand exactly how the skin and brain interact, including the role of the skin microbiome (all the tiny organisms living on your skin). They're also looking at how artificial intelligence (AI) can help create personalized skincare that responds to your emotional state.

This combination of brain science and skin science could lead to a new generation of smart skincare products that are proven to have a real impact on both your physical skin health and how you feel.