Diabetes and gum disease are two things that are more common then you may think. The European Federation of Periodontology have released the below press release and we thought we should spread the word…
- People with gum disease have a 20–30% higher risk of diabetes
- Uncontrolled diabetes triples the likelihood of gum disease
- Successful gum treatment reduces blood sugar levels
Brussels, Belgium, 14 November 2018
Good oral health reduces the risk of diabetes. That’s one of the main messages of the Perio & Diabetes campaign launched 14th November 2018 on World Diabetes Day by the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP).
Gum disease and diabetes are chronic conditions that increase with age. The link between the two diseases goes both ways. It is thought that inflammation in the body is the connection – in fact, gum disease is the most common inflammatory disease.
Gum (periodontal) disease includes gingivitis (inflamed gums) and periodontitis (inflammation of the gums and structures supporting the teeth). About 50% of people over 30 have periodontitis, which causes tooth loss if untreated, and it is this type of gum disease that is linked with diabetes.
The facts:
- Gum disease increases the risk of diabetes by 20–30%.
- Uncontrolled diabetes triples the likelihood of gum disease.
- People with diabetes have poorer blood glucose control, more heart, brain, eye and kidney complications, and a shorter lifespan, if they also have gum disease. (1)
- Successful gum treatment reduces blood sugar levels. (2)
Warning signs of gum disease:
- Red, swollen, bleeding, or receding gums.
- Bigger gaps between teeth, loose teeth.
- Bad breath, bad taste.
Prof Filippo Graziani, EFP president elect, said: “Bleeding gums are not normal – do not just rely on a
mouth rinse but go see a dentist. The earlier we catch periodontitis, the better.”
How to prevent gum disease:
- Clean between your teeth every day with an interdental brush or floss.
- Brush your teeth for at least two minutes, twice a day.
- Avoid smoking, eat a healthy diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in sugar, and exercise.
- Visit your dentist twice a year.
- Control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
(2)
“Cleaning in between the teeth is the most effective way to prevent periodontitis,” said Prof Graziani.
“In addition, brush your teeth for a minimum of two minutes twice a day with an electric toothbrush.
Most of us brush for just 35–40 seconds, which is not long enough. Every mouth is different and a
dentist or hygienist can advise how to get the best results for you. And don’t smoke – the majority of
gum disease occurs in smokers.”
Prof Antonio Ceriello, a diabetologist at MultiMedica, Milan, Italy, said: “Patients with types 1 and 2
diabetes who look after their teeth have better control of their diabetes and fewer long-term
complications. This includes young people with type 1 diabetes. Check your gums and teeth regularly
and see a dentist twice a year.” (3)
As a patient with type 1 diabetes, Dr Dániel Végh, who is a dentist at Semmelweis University, Budapest,
Hungary, and regional representative for Europe, International Diabetes Federation Young Leaders
Programme, said: “My routine is to brush and clean in between my teeth, then use mouth rinse, at
least two times a day. I can’t see every area of my teeth in the mirror, so I visit my dentist every six
months for a clean and check-up. I go for extra visits if there is bleeding anywhere in my mouth.”
Dr Marzia Massignani, senior manager, Scientific Affairs and Corporate Communications, SUNSTAR,
said: “At SUNSTAR, we believe in a holistic approach to health. For over thirty years we have supported
research into the bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. The partnership
in this project was a natural step towards fulfilling our mission of education in this field.”
For more information on the links between gum disease and diabetes please visit the dedicated Perio & Diabetes website, which has leaflets for patients and the public, the media, medical professionals, and policymakers.
Notes for Editors
References
1) Graziani F, Gennai S, Solini A, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiologic
observational evidence on the effect of periodontitis on diabetes An update of the EFP-AAP review. J Clin
Periodontol. 2018;45:167–187. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12837.
2) Madianos PN, Koromantzos PA. An update of the evidence on the potential impact of periodontal
therapy on diabetes outcomes. J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45:188–195. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12836.
3) Sanz M, Ceriello A, Buysschaert M, et al. Scientific evidence on the links between periodontal diseases
and diabetes: Consensus report and guidelines of the joint workshop on periodontal diseases and
diabetes by the International Diabetes Federation and the European Federation of Periodontology. J Clin
Periodontol. 2018;45:138–149. doi: 10.1111/jcpe.12808.
3
About the Perio & Diabetes project
The Perio & Diabetes project, a collaboration between the European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) and
SUNSTAR, promotes awareness of the important links between periodontal diseases and diabetes explaining
how these two diseases can be fought together.
About the EFP
The European Federation of Periodontology (EFP) is an umbrella organisation of 30 national scientific societies
devoted to promoting research, education and awareness of periodontal science and practice. It represents
more than 14,000 periodontists and gum-health professionals from Europe, northern Africa, and the Middle
East.
About SUNSTAR
SUNSTAR operates in four growing sectors with the objective of building a better and healthier tomorrow:
oral care, health and beauty, healthy living environment, and safety support and high technology.
Media contact:
Jackie Partarrieu
EFP Media Relations Manager
press@efp.org
+336 2314 5784