Research has shown that diabetes and gingivitis is directly related. According to a few experts, people with gum diseases can have difficulties in keeping their blood sugar levels under control. Others believe that it can be the other way round as well, as according to American Academy of Periodontology people with diabetes are more prone to periodontal diseases. This is because high blood sugar levels can cause mouth tissues and gums to catch infections more easily.
A study in Amsterdam has revealed that around 10 percent of the patients with gum diseases were diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, which they were unaware of.
Diabetes detected and treated with the right medicines can be controlled easily or else if left unattended can worsen to other problems including heart and renal (kidney) disease and greater risk of strokes.
Many people do not get their glucose levels tested until they find an urge to do so, so the only way to detect diabetes at an early stage is a routine dental appointment. But the question arises should dentists warn patients with infectious gums about the chances of developing diabetes? And during what stage of treatment should they be warned about this correlation?
These questions are important as there are two viewpoints. A few dentists do not find it right to give advice beyond their expertise. While other dentists and periodontists have included diabetes testing in their clinics. However, in general it is more acceptable at this point that dentists must recommend diabetes testing at doctor’s office to patients with infectious gums.
