More than 90 percent of people with gum disease may be at risk for diabetes, according to a recent report from researchers at New York University Colleges of Dentistry and Nursing. The report suggests that gum disease could be a leading risk factor for developing diabetes.

The study was based on data from 2,923 adult participants enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. The survey was designed to assess U.S. adult and child health and nutritional status.

Dr. Shiela Strauss of NYU’s Colleges of Dentistry, using American Diabetes Association guidelines, found 93 percent of subjects with gum disease were at high risk for diabetes.

The survey collected data on several potential risk factors. Only high blood pressure and a family history of diabetes (in siblings) were better predictors for the development of diabetes than gum disease. They also found that diabetes was diagnosed in a significantly greater number of people with gum disease versus those with healthy gums.

So what does this mean? Is gum disease really causing diabetes? Doctors don’t know the answer yet. But it’s strongly suggested that you take care of your gums. And how can we do that? With “good” oral bacteria!

The “Good” Oral Bacteria

There are a few strains of beneficial bacteria, called the healthy oral flora, that colonize your entire mouth. As we age, the viability and density of the normal flora (healthy bacteria) decreases. This is unfortunate because the healthy bacteria are needed to protect the oral cavity, specifically the gums, against “bad” bacteria. The “bad” ones, if allowed to grow, can infect and damage the gums.

Infected gums become red, swollen and inflamed. Inflammation allows the “bad” bacteria to enter the blood stream and travel throughout the body. Muscle tissue seems to be very susceptible to infection. The influx of infectious bacteria into muscle tissue can damage the individual cells and lead to lots of inflammation.

Inflamed muscle cells breakdown and become dysfunctional. Diseased cells stop responding to the effects of insulin. Without insulin, glucose (sugar) can not enter the cells and builds-up in the blood (hyperglycemia).

This is the hallmark of type 2 diabetes: muscle cells become insulin resistant as a result of inflammation initiated when infected with “bad” bacteria from diseased gums.

Gum disease is a serious condition that’s now linked to diabetes. A healthy mouth might just prevent diabetes. The most effective method for improving oral health is to restore the healthy oral flora.

Healthy Gums Help Prevent Diabetes

Promote healthy gums and help prevent diabetes by restoring healthy oral bacteria. Two unique strains of bacteria have been shown to improve gum health: Bacillus coagulans and Streptococcus salivarius.

In combination with a rigorous oral hygiene regime, the healthy bacteria protect the oral cavity from “bad” bacteria and help to ease inflammation throughout the body, especially in muscle tissue.

Healthy muscle cells respond properly to insulin, lowering blood sugar levels. Don’t ignore your teeth and gums! Your mouth plays a key role in over-all health & wellness. Restore the healthy oral flora and help prevent many diseases, including diabetes.

What You Need to Know

Gum disease is strongly associated with impaired blood sugar control and the onset of prediabetes. You can protect yourself against full-blown diabetes by adhering to just a few diabetic diet guidelines.

Spending a few minutes reading about the guidelines could be the difference between a life time of chronic disease or lifelong health.

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