Dentistry News | Dental Jobs | Dentist Forum | CPD Education
Dental news |
 |
RSS Feed | View by: Most Recent | Most Popular | Most Discussed |
Gum disease linked with diabetes
26th Mar 2007
Poor oral hygiene could lead to diabetes as well as a range of oral health problems, the British Dental Health Foundation has warned. The dental charity’s comments came after a study published in the Journal of Periodontology revealed that advanced forms of gum disease could lead to the development of pre-diabetes – a precursor of diabetes. Experts already knew that people with diabetes are more susceptible to gum disease, but this study – conducted by Dr Carla Pontes Andersen of the Department of Periodontology in Copenhagen – is the first to find that periodontal disease could also lead to the development of diabetes. Dr Nigel Carter, chief executive of the BDHF, said: ‘Gum disease has already been linked to a wide range of general health problems such as heart disease, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes and low birthweight babies. However, in the case of diabetes, we did not know the link worked both ways. ‘In one way the news is quite encouraging. Gum disease is caused by poor oral hygiene so, as long as people take good care of their teeth, there is a good chance we could reduce the number of people developing diabetes. ‘People need to be aware that failing to take care of your mouth will not only cause oral health problems like decayed teeth, gum disease and bad breath, it will affect your whole body. ‘Brushing twice-a-day with fluoride toothpaste, cutting down on sugary foods and drinks and visiting the dentist regularly, as often as they recommend, will reduce your chances of developing general health conditions like diabetes – as well as improving your smile.’ About two million people have diabetes in the UK, and it is estimated that many more have the condition and do not know about it.
Rate this story
Comments
