Aims: To provide updated knowledge on the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes from an oral health perspective. Methods: A review of the English-language literature was performed, gathering articles on the two diseases published over the past 10 years. Results: Both diseases result from the confluence of various triggering and modifying factors, and there are inter-individual differences in the risk of their development. Recent research has shown that diabetes may increase the risk of periodontitis, and it has been proposed that chronic periodontal disease may influence the natural course of diabetes. There appears to be an association among oral infections, impaired sugar metabolism, and atherosclerosis, indicating a theoretical link between metabolic syndrome and periodontal disease. Clinical implications: Control of periodontal disease may enhance glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes. In turn, improved glycemic control may contribute to a better control of periodontal disease. © Medicina Oral S. L.