Diabetes is known to have a major impact on the entire body including the gums and teeth. People with uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes are more likely to develop cavities and gum disease or gingivitis which can lead to periodontitis which in turn can cause premature tooth loss. A study conducted by the researchers from the University of Edinburgh and supported by their colleagues from the Peninsula Dental School, the University of Ottawa and UCL Eastman Dental Institute has shown that relation between oral health and blood sugar levels works both ways. Even more, their study reveals that treatment of periodontal disease helps lower blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes type 2.
Diabetics are more likely to develop serious gum disease or periodontitis due to increased susceptibility to infections, impaired ability to fight bacteria invading the gums and slow healing rate. Periodontitis has been also shown to increase blood sugar levels making diabetes more difficult to control. This is believed to be due to chemical changes that are caused by the bacteria in the mouth which results in lesser insulin effectiveness and ultimately, in greater difficulties controlling blood sugar levels. Treatment and prevention of periodontitis as well as maintenance of oral health therefore helps blood sugar control in diabetics. This has been also confirmed by the results of the study from the University of Edinburgh which implies that effective treatment of serious gum disease helps control blood sugar levels in patients with diabetes type 2 though they could not confirm the same benefits for people suffering from diabetes type 1.
Tags: blood sugar control, blood sugar level, blood sugar levels, control blood sugar, diabetes type 1, diabetes type 2, eastman dental institute, gum disease, prevention of diabetes, treatment of periodontal disease