New research has looked into the impact that an antiseptic mouthwash has on patients diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes and Gum Disease. Given the strong connection between these two conditions, having knowledge on any potential treatment is important. The antiseptic mouthwash appears to have the possibility of being an effective treatment for these conditions.
There is a growing body of research which suggests that there is a strong connection between Gum Disease and serious physical health conditions, including Type 2 Diabetes.
Gum Disease in its own right is a debilitating condition, even without it having an impact on the onset of some physical health conditions.
Now, new research has looked into how an antiseptic mouthwash appears to be capable of helping treat gum disease in patients that have type 2 diabetes [1].
Background
The research involved looking at gum disease and type 2 diabetes. These are both common conditions, and are closely related to one another.
Gum disease is an oral health condition which involved the gums becoming red, swollen and sore [2]. This normally involves inflammation, which in turn links to physical health.
Meanwhile, type 2 diabetes is a condition which involves a person’s blood sugar becoming too high [3]. Diabetes is closely linked to oral health.
Looking at ways of treating these conditions is important. In both cases, early detection is important, as the sooner that action is taken, the better it is for long-term prospects.
The Research
The research was completed by a team of researchers from Osaka University in Japan. Their findings have been published in the Scientific Reports journal [1].
The team wanted to find out the impact that an antiseptic mouthwash would have on gum disease in those with type 2 diabetes [1]. Specifically, they were looking to see if it impacted gum disease-causing bacterial species.
Moreover, the authors identified three highly virulent types of bacteria that are linked to gum disease. These are Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia [1].
The research team sought to find out if the mouthwash could lower the levels of these species. The mouthwash contained the antiseptic agent Chlorhexidine Gluconate [1].
In order to study this, the research team recruited 173 patients. These patients all had a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes [1].
The researchers took monthly or bimonthly saliva and blood samples over the course of a year. In terms of the saliva, the researchers noted the levels of the three aforementioned bacterial species. Then, with the blood samples, they measured levels of blood sugar [1].
For the first six months, the patients all gargled with water. However, for the second six months, the patients gargled with antiseptic mouthwash instead [1]. Therefore, this allowed the researchers to see if gargling water or the mouthwash was more effective.
What were the results?
The results were interesting. The researchers found that gargling with water had no impact on the levels of the harmful bacteria, or the levels of blood sugar [1].
However, the results showed that there was a strong reduction in bacterial species when the patients gargled mouthwash – so long as they were gargling at least twice per day [1].
Moreover, there wasn’t a significant overall change in the levels of blood sugar following the mouthwash treatment. However, there was a range of individual responses, with some people seeing a greater reduction in blood sugar control with the mouthwash – especially younger patients [1].
These results showed that the antiseptic mouthwash certainly had a positive effect on lessening harmful bacterial levels in those with type 2 diabetes. This was very positive, and emphasized the effectiveness of the mouthwash.
Summary
Overall, the findings showed that the antiseptic mouthwash was superior to water. Given the complexities in treating gum disease and type 2 diabetes, having this knowledge is important.
Moreover, having knowledge about how the mouthwash can help to control blood sugar levels in some patients can be useful in designing treatments for type 2 diabetes.
The researchers were pleased with the outcome, and have suggested that the mouthwash should be used in clinical situations – as it clearly has a positive effect!
Thinking points…
[1] We mentioned earlier about the importance of the early detection of gum disease. This is crucial, as the sooner the problem is identified – the quicker that measures can be taken to help your gums and wider oral health. The easiest way to find out about the health of your gums is to visit a dentist for a check-up. They will be able to examine your mouth and provide information. Therefore, we recommend booking an appointment now!
[2] As well as a link existing between gum disease and diabetes, diabetes is also linked to tooth decay. Therefore, if you have diabetes, try to be extra vigilant with your oral health, as otherwise this could worsen your diabetes. Try to limit your sugar consumption, eat healthily, and brush and floss your teeth regularly. By taking these small measures, it can certainly help both your physical and oral health.
What we offer at Taradale Dental
Taradale Dental is a Calgary dental clinic that provide its patients with a range of treatment options and advice, with the aim of improving oral health and boosting overall wellbeing!
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 Taradale Dental, we also have some cosmetic treatments available! These include dental implants, teeth whitening and Invisalign™! Our patients find that these treatments have a positive impact on their appearance, confidence and self-esteem.
Moreover, the fees of our treatments at our Calgary dental clinic Taradale Dental are set in line with the Alberta Dental Fee Guide. This ensures transparent and fair pricing, with no hidden costs.
We hope to see you soon at our Taradale Dental clinic in Calgary! You can find out more about us by visiting our website https://taradaledental.ca.
References
[1] Matayoshi, S., Tojo, F., Suehiro, Y., Okuda, M., Takagi, M., Ochiai, M., Kadono, M., Mikasa, Y., Okawa, R., Nomura, R., Itoh, Y., Itoh, N., & Nakano, K. (2024). Effects of mouthwash on periodontal pathogens and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Scientific Reports. 14 (2777). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-53213-x.
[2] NHS. (2022). Gum disease. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/gum-disease/. Last accessed: 17th February 2024.
[3]NHS. (2023). Diabetes. Available: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/. Last accessed: 17th February 2024.
