Gum Health Affects Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes

Categories: Dental Health

gum disease increases diabetes risk Staten Island

Hello, I’m Dr. Frederick Hecht of Staten Island Dental Care. We are located at 1520 Richmond Ave in Staten Island. We offer a full range of general, restorative, and cosmetic dental services, including complete cosmetic dental smile makeovers. Ask us about porcelain veneers, cosmetic dentistry and porcelain crowns. At Staten Island Dental Care, we are concerned not only with the condition of your mouth, but also with how it influences your complete physical health and general well-being.

Today’s post looks at the connection between diabetes and oral health and may be of interest to Staten Island residents with diabetes as well individuals who are trying to reduce their risk factors.

Scientists have known for quite some time that people with diabetes have higher rates of gum disease. Maintaining proper blood glucose levels is the key to minimizing the risk of gum disease and related troubles for those affected.

Additional research is exploring the reverse relationship. In other words, whether poor oral health increases the risk of developing diabetes. Findings from a long-term study suggests that it does.

“We found that over two decades of follow-up, individuals who had periodontal disease were more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life when compared to individuals without periodontal disease.” -Ryan T. Demmer, PhD, MPH1

Additional trials are exploring how tooth and gum health affects the ability of diabetics to manage the disease.

“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to serious gum disease, but serious gum disease may have the potential to affect blood glucose control and contribute to the progression of diabetes.”2

If you have diabetes, it is vital that you see a dentist regularly and are passionate about daily oral hygiene, proper nutrition, and other important practices. Furthermore, your success in controlling your blood glucose levels will improve your oral health and vice-versa.

If you don’t have a dentist and live in Staten Island or the greater NYC area, I invite you to call me, Frederick Hecht, at 718-761-5757. I will complete a thorough examination and one of my competent hygienists will treat your teeth and gums to a professional dental cleaning. Then we will create a beneficial plan for improving and maintaining your dental health for life. I can be a key member of your healthcare team and will work with your medical doctor, if required.

1Angelo Milone, “Does periodontal disease cause type 2 diabetes?,” Endocrine Today, November 2008, http://www.healio.com/endocrinology/diabetes/news/print/endocrine-today/%7Bacdccbd7-a2b2-4a9e-ac08-b29b53116908%7D/does-periodontal-disease-cause-type-2-diabetes, accessed August 12, 2015
2“Diabetes and Oral Health Problems,” American Diabetes Association, September 18, 2012, http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/oral-health-and-hygiene/diabetes-and-oral-health.html#sthash.9IlHJB8l.dpuf, accessed August 12, 2015