According to latest research, oral health can be an indicator about cardiac and cancer risks in those suffering with diabetics but a lot of people are not aware of the fact. British Dental Journal carried this news in its latest issue. The report said that problems of the teeth and gums have a direct link to deeper and more serious problems in diabetics and that there is a dire need to educate them with the fact. A lot of people were aware of the implication of diabetes on eyesight and they did go for regular checkups but oral health was largely neglected. According to the study, oral diseases like swelling of gums are a problem that is common is diabetics. It has been found that swollen gums are a giveaway for increase in the intensity of diabetes. The problem also increases the severity of cardiovascular damage.

Studies have also proved that when gum diseases are not treated in diabetics, its intensity increases more rapidly than in those without diabetes. Loss of teeth occurs when gum disease are not properly treated in patients whose sugar levels in the blood is not in control. This study was mainly undertaken to find out about the level of awareness of this link in diabetics. A survey was conducted involving 229 people suffering with Type II diabetes. The results were shocking because a majority of people were unaware that there was a link between diabetes and oral diseases. Out of the 229 adults, only 13% knew that the disease affects swollen gums and another 12% were aware that there might be any sort of connection between diabetes and tender gums.

In general, it has been found that among the various self care regimes adopted by diabetics, oral care was given the least priority. Majority of the people went in for regular eye checkups. In the survey, it was also noted that regular flossing of teeth was considered the least important self care routine by one-thirds of the people. Oral health is not just an indicator of severity of diabetes but also of general health. Professor Walmsley, Scientific Advisor to the British Dental Association said that dentists and all other health care practitioners need to take an initiative to increase awareness about the strong link between oral health and diabetes. Some of the activities that need to be performed without fail are using toothpaste with fluoride, brushing two times a day and daily flossing. Regular visits to a dentist is also very important part of diabetics self care regime.