The connection between diabetes and periodontal disease is well established: one condition can worsen the other, often leading to significant tooth loss. A recent study by the CDC analyzed data from 37,609 adults aged 25 and older across nine waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1971–2012). The research found that while roughly half of all adults have periodontal disease, the prevalence is even higher in adults with diabetes.
The relationship works both ways:
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Diabetes increases inflammation, making periodontal disease harder to treat.
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Periodontal disease contributes to infection, which can affect blood sugar control.
On average, adults with diabetes face 1.5 times the risk of losing at least one tooth compared to adults of the same age without diabetes.
Due to this close connection, a dental exam can sometimes reveal undiagnosed diabetes, allowing for early intervention and prevention of severe disease.
If you have diabetes, bleeding gums, or both, it’s important to have your oral health examined. Contact Dr. Kaufman👉Call or book online Tooronga Family Dentistry on (03) 9822 7006 for a thorough check-up and guidance on maintaining healthy teeth and gums.
📍 We proudly care for the smiles of the Glen Iris, Tooronga, Malvern and Hawthorn East communities.