The health of our gums and metabolic diseases are closely connected, as recent studies have shown.
Diabetes and high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) are particularly widespread today because of excess weight, poor diet, overly processed foods and too sedentary a lifestyle.
Unfortunately, diabetes is one of the most silent diseases, and by the time it is diagnosed it is often too late. That is why it is important to watch for certain signs that may indicate prediabetes, so that action can be taken early. One of these is the health of the gums, which is particularly helpful for early diagnosis.
Here are some symptoms that may point to high blood sugar and diabetes:
- Red, inflamed gums
- Bleeding when brushing
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum recession
- Pus around the gum line
- One or more loose teeth
- Erosion at the necks of the teeth
Numerous studies carried out over recent decades have repeatedly confirmed the relationship between gum health and metabolic syndromes, diabetes in particular.
This is because high blood glucose levels damage the blood vessels and reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the gums, making gum and bone infections more likely. In addition, as glucose levels in the saliva rise, they create fertile ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of gum disease and tooth decay.
Gum inflammation, in turn, enters the bloodstream and disrupts the immune defence system, affecting blood sugar control. In other words, gum disease and diabetes are interconnected, each influencing the other. For this reason, the EFP (European Federation of Periodontology) recommends a full dental check-up after a diagnosis of diabetes.
Research carried out by the University of Barcelona has also recently shown how caring for the mouth can significantly improve blood sugar levels.
The researchers studied 90 patients with type 2 diabetes.
Each of them received six months of treatment aimed at improving their oral health. During this period they underwent tests to measure their glycated haemoglobin levels, along with numerous tests to identify the type of bacterial population that had caused periodontitis in each patient.
The results showed that all the patients’ blood sugar control improved.
Looking after your oral hygiene and regularly checking the overall health of your gums are therefore essential habits for picking up early warning signs of type 2 diabetes and stopping it from developing, together with a healthy diet and physical exercise.
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