Diabetes: The Oral Health Link

Some of the most intriguing oral health research is attempting to connect the dots between diseases of the mouth and other illnesses. For example, a 2007 study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute reported that gum disease may increase the risk of developing pancreatic cancer. So far it’s unclear how periodontal disease might contribute to pancreatic cancer, and no definite cause-and-effect relationship has been proven, but the findings will no doubt spur further research.

Links between other health conditions and gum disease have been studied in greater depth. Under particular scrutiny is how periodontal disease may relate to diabetes.

What’s the Link?

Diabetes is thought to affect gum health in two ways. First, diabetes can cause circulatory damage, narrowing the arteries and restricting blood flow to the tissues, including the gums. As a result, periodontal tissue and bone become more susceptible to infection. In addition, diabetes can encourage the growth of oral bacteria. High blood sugar translates into increased levels of sugar in oral fluids. This allows the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease to thrive.

Diabetes also can lead to oral infections, such as thrush, as well as to dry mouth, which can hasten cavity development. Often, dry mouth is an early sign of undetected diabetes.

Does It Work Both Ways?

Researchers are also probing the possibility that periodontal disease may be a factor contributing to diabetes, not just a complication of it. One theory is that the inflammation in periodontal disease may increase resistance to insulin, which, in turn, makes it difficult to control blood sugar. However, more study is needed to clarify the relationship between these two diseases.

Several small studies suggest that periodontal therapy, such as deep cleaning, can improve blood sugar control. Researchers also are evaluating whether supplementing deep cleanings with oral antibiotics can help reduce blood sugar levels in diabetic patients.

While researchers haven’t established that periodontal disease contributes to diabetes, brushing and flossing regularly and having routine dental cleanings makes sense for many reasons.

Source: Dental Health for Adults: A Guide to Protecting Your Teeth and Gums. Copyright © by Harvard University. All rights reserved.