Both Gum Disease and Diabetes are very common conditions that affect many people. Treating gum disease can be difficult. For those with diabetes, gum disease commonly occurs. But now, new research has suggested that a special mouth rinse could have a very positive effect on the gums of those with diabetes. This is a very positive finding, which could improve oral health for many people.
Diabetes and Gum Disease are two common conditions. There is also a connection between the two, which results in many people suffering from both conditions.
Those with Type 2 Diabetes often require treatment for their gums. However, treating gum disease can be very difficult, with very few interventions existing.
But new research has found that a special antimicrobial mouth rinse could provide many benefits to those with Type 2 diabetes that are being treated for gum disease [1]. This is a promising finding!
Background
Gum disease is a very common condition. It typically develops gradually over a period of many years. It is characterized by inflammation and redness of the gums.
Meanwhile, Diabetes is a condition that involves a person’s blood sugar level becoming too high [2]. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, and was the focus of this research.
There is a strong connection between Type 2 diabetes and gum disease [3]. These conditions often run alongside one another. Research shows that diabetes increases the risk of any periodontal condition [3].
The Research
The research was carried out by a team at the University at Buffalo in New York. Their findings were then published in the JDR Clinical and Translational Research journal [1].
The research team pointed out that root planing and scaling – which are the most common gum disease treatments – can only take place in a clinic, with a qualified dental professional conducting the treatment. Therefore, the researchers reasoned that it would help those with gum disease to have something that could aid their condition that could be used at home.
The researchers sought to find an effective antiplaque regiment in the form of a mouth rinse that could be used at home, which could assist in treating moderate to severe gum disease – known as periodontitis [1].
Mouth rinses have been used for many years. But the researchers pointed out that there hadn’t been a focus on how those with diabetes responded to a special mouth rinse [1].
There were 114 participants in the study. They were divided into two groups. One group received scaling and root planing, followed by the mouth rinse – for which they were instructed to use twice a day. The second group purely received scaling and root planing, without a mouth rinse being provided [1].
The key ingredient of the mouth rinse was Chlorhexidine Gluconate – which is found in several oral health products.
After six months, the researchers were able to look at the oral health of the participants. They looked specifically at gum inflammation levels, and general oral health [1].
Overall, the results showed that those with diabetes that used the mouth rinse saw a significantly higher reduction in gum inflammation when compared to those that didn’t receive the rinse.
This proved that for those with diabetes, the mouth rinse can be very effective. This can help those with diabetes to see an improvement in their oral health.
Would the rinse work for those without diabetes?
As an added element to the research, the team looked to see if the mouth rinse could prove effective to the wider population. Therefore, they also had some participants use the mouth rinse which did not have a diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes [1].
Interestingly, the results showed that those without diabetes did not see any benefit to inflammation levels [1].
The researchers stated that they suspected this was because people with diabetes tend to have a weakened healing response [1].
Author comments
The researchers were very pleased with the outcome. They were left pleasantly surprised at how those with diabetes responded so strongly to the treatment [1].
Patricia Diaz of the University at Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine, was the head author of the study. She commented on the findings [1].
Noting the lack of treatment options for gum disease, she remarked that “before, it had been a one-size-fits-all approach, which isn’t great for treating gum disease” [1]. However, this mouth rinse has the potential to change this, especially for those with diabetes.
Diaz has cautioned though that more research is needed. She has mentioned “we need more definitive answers” [1]. While there are many positives from this research, the team have acknowledged further studies need to take place.
But overall, the findings are very positive. This mouth rinse appears to have the capability to lessen the symptoms of gum disease for those with diabetes, and generally improve their oral health.
Thinking points…
[1] Mouth rinses have the potential to be an effective method of aiding your oral health. If you are worried about gum disease, it could be worth trying to add a mouth rinse into your oral hygiene routine. Also, you could ask your dentist if they offer scaling or root planing treatments. This could aid your overall dental health.
[2] One of the biggest problems with gum disease is how so many of us have it without realizing. It is very important for gum disease to be diagnosed early on. Therefore, to make sure your oral health is strong, remember to attend regular dental check-ups. A dentist can spot gum disease, and provide advice and treatment if needed. We recommend booking a check-up now!
What we offer at Savanna Dental
Savanna Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a wide range of dental treatment options and advice aimed at improving their oral health.
We advise our patients to attend our Calgary dental clinic at least twice per year for a regular dental check-up. At these check-ups, we provide a comprehensive review of a patient’s oral health. If any problems are detected, we have many treatments available. For example, these include cavity fillings and root canals. To strengthen your oral health, we recommend brushing your teeth at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
Here at Savanna Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Many people find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, all of our services at our Calgary dental clinic Savanna Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing.
We hope to see you soon at our Savanna Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://savannadentalclinic.ca.
References
[1] Diaz, P. (2023). UB study: Special mouth rinse and brushes can help treat gum disease among diabetes patients. Available: https://www.buffalo.edu/grad/news.host.html/content/shared/university/news/news-center-releases/2023/10/Diaz-gumdisease-study-diabetes.detail.html. Last accessed: 9th November 2023.
[2] NHS. (2023). Diabetes. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/. Last accessed: 9th November 2023.
[3] Kumar, M., Mishra, L., Mohanty, R., & Nayak, R. (2014). Diabetes and gum disease: The diabolic duo. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews. 8 (4): p255-258. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2014.09.022.
