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Gum disease and your health Gum disease

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease, and its effects reach beyond the mouth. Consensus reports link it with diabetes in both directions and with cardiovascular disease. Treating periodontitis in people with diabetes lowers HbA1c by about 0.3 percentage points (EFP and International Diabetes Federation, 2018).

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Is gum disease linked to diabetes?

Yes. People with diabetes have a higher risk of periodontitis, and periodontitis makes blood sugar harder to control. The 2018 consensus of the European Federation of Periodontology and the International Diabetes Federation found that periodontal treatment lowers HbA1c by about 0.3 percentage points at three to four months. People with diabetes should have a periodontal exam every year.

Is gum disease linked to heart disease?

The 2020 consensus of the EFP and the World Heart Federation reports that periodontitis is associated with higher risk of cardiovascular disease, independent of shared risks such as smoking. Bacteria and inflammatory signals from the gums enter the bloodstream. Treatment lowers markers of inflammation. A cause-and-effect proof is still open.

What should patients do?

  • Tell your periodontist about diabetes, heart disease, pregnancy and medications.
  • Tell your physician if you have periodontitis.
  • Keep maintenance visits every three to four months.
  • Stop smoking: it is the strongest risk for both gum and heart disease.

Questions

Can treating gum disease prevent a heart attack?

No study has proven that. Treatment lowers inflammation markers, and the shared advice (no smoking, controlled blood sugar, healthy gums) lowers overall risk.

Is gum treatment safe in pregnancy?

Yes. Cleaning and scaling and root planing are safe in pregnancy, ideally in the second trimester.

Sources

  1. Sanz M et al. Periodontal diseases and diabetes, EFP/IDF consensus. J Clin Periodontol 2018
  2. Sanz M et al. Periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases, consensus report. J Clin Periodontol 2020
  3. Eke PI et al. Periodontitis in US adults: NHANES 2009-2014. JADA 2018
  4. American Academy of Periodontology, patient resources

Reviewed by , Director of IT and Medical Compliance: 25 years in dentistry, medicine and HIPAA compliance. Updated . Checked against the sources listed. General information, not medical advice.

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