𝗗𝗶𝗮𝗯𝗲𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗚𝘂𝗺 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 – 𝗜𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸?

To mark World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2020, the European Federation of Periodontology highlighted the latest research on the two-way relationship between periodontitis (gum disease) and type-2 diabetes. This included evidence that ‘diabetes and periodontitis together appear to increase systemic inflammation, with evidence of reductions following periodontal treatment’

Researchers said that “assessment of periodontal status should be routine in diabetes care, and treatment of periodontitis in people with diabetes should be a core component of diabetes management.”

If your doctor has told you that you have diabetes, you should arrange an appointment with your dentist.

Make regular dental check-ups part of the management of your diabetes. Your dentist can give you personalised advice on what you need to do and may refer you to a specialist to stabilise your oral health.

And it is also important to follow some basic oral-hygiene rules (brush your teeth twice a day and use interdental brushes/floss at least once/day) as well as control of your weight, avoid smoking, and eat healthy foods.