Question
Why does my dentist recommend get a diabetes screening?
Answer
Great! Your dentist is thinking in a comprehensive way about helping you with your condition.
A fasting blood sugar test is the first place to start.
Gum disease is triggered by plaque bacteria, but your sensitivity to that trigger depends on several factors including your medical health.
If you do have diabetes and it is uncontrolled, lots of evidence suggests this triples your risk of gum disease.
The link between diabetes and gum disease also works both ways.
This means people who take control of their mouth health and who are able to control their periodontal disease stand a better chance of getting their diabetes under control and keeping it that way.