More than a third of UK adults experience bleeding gums at least once a month when they brush their teeth and ignore it or simply brush more softly, according to new research from Gum Health brand, Corsodyl.1 Yet blood in the sink could be an early warning sign of gum disease, a common condition caused by plaque build-up. Gum disease is associated with an increased risk for type 2 diabetes, a serious condition that can lead to blindness and amputations if not treated effectively.2,4
Around 1.3 million people are living with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in the UK.5 But Corsodyl’s research shows that while most people recognise diet, weight, family history, lack of physical activity and high blood pressure contributes to type 2 diabetes risk, just one in ten adults believe that gum disease is also associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.1
The science shows this link is two-way. Research shows a link between gum disease and a possible higher risk of type 2 diabetes. For example, one review found people with gum disease had a 26% higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared with those without gum disease.2 At the same time, diabetes itself could make gum problems more severe and harder to treat. Despite this, the most common reaction to bleeding gums is to brush more softly or simply ignore it, leaving the hidden health risk unaddressed.1
Alastair Lomax, Medical & Scientific Affairs Director – Oral Health, Haleon, said: “These findings highlight the need to close the awareness gap between gum disease and systemic conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Regular dental care and good oral hygiene are essential in removing plaque and bacteria, keeping gum disease under control. As a global brand and experts in gum health, Corsodyl is committed to raising awareness and encouraging early action. By using a specific gum repair toothpaste twice daily, people can help prevent bleeding gums, reduce the risk of gum disease, and maintain long-term oral health.”
Si King, best known for being a broadcaster and one half of the nation’s much-loved TV chefs the Hairy Bikers, was warned about his own diabetes risk in 2012. Since then, he has spoken candidly about his own health journey, using his platform to raise awareness of important issues affecting the health of millions across the UK.
Si said: “If I hadn’t confronted my own health risks, I mightn’t be here today. That’s why I believe understanding how gum health intertwines with type 2 diabetes risk is important. Small lifestyle changes can make a big difference to oral health, helping to prevent or manage gum disease. So if you see blood in the sink when brushing, it’s time to take action.”
Corsodyl’s research highlights the opportunity for dentists and dental hygienists to play a bigger role in raising awareness of the association between gum disease and type 2 diabetes. More than two in five people (41.9%) said they or a family member have been told they are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, but in most cases this warning came from their GP (51.9%).1 Fewer than 5% recall ever hearing the same message from their dentist, despite gum disease being a clear risk factor, showing a major missed opportunity to use routine dental visits as a gateway for earlier awareness and intervention.1
To help address this, Haleon, the maker of Corsodyl, has partnered with the University of Birmingham on a study to assess a new care pathway that enables dental teams across 50 dental practices across the United Kingdom to screen 10,000 patients at risk of potentially undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes and pre-diabetes during routine check-ups. Each participant completes a diabetes risk questionnaire, provides a finger prick blood sample (HbA1c test) and is invited to provide a saliva sample for future research. If a patient’s HbA1c result indicates they are at risk of type 2 diabetes, they will be referred to their GP for further medical assessment and care. If the study is successful and a new pathway was rolled out nationally, it’s estimated that dental teams could potentially detect undiagnosed diabetes in more than one million people.
Professor Iain Chapple MBE, Professor of Periodontology and Consultant in Restorative Dentistry at the University of Birmingham’s Dental School and Hospital, said: “This study could make a real difference for patients by allowing oral health care teams to identify people at risk of type 2 diabetes during routine check-ups. It means more people at risk of, or with the condition could get earlier diagnosis and support through their GP, helping them manage their health and reduce complications before those problems become more serious.”
Corsodyl has partnered with Diabetes UK to raise awareness that people living with diabetes are up to 3x more likely to experience gum problems. We are also encouraging people to understand more about their risk of type 2 diabetes by using Diabetes UK’s self-assessment tool: Diabetes UK – Know Your Risk of Type 2 diabetes
