Many people visit the dentist regularly to check their teeth and gums, but new research suggests that these visits might also help detect another serious health problem: diabetes.
Scientists from King’s College London have found that a simple finger‑prick blood test carried out during a dental appointment could help identify people who may have undiagnosed diabetes or prediabetes.
The study, published in the Journal of Dentistry, highlights the close connection between oral health and overall health.
In particular, it focuses on the link between gum disease and diabetes, two conditions that often occur together. By testing blood sugar levels during dental visits, researchers believe dentists could help identify patients who may need further medical testing.
Diabetes is a long‑term condition that affects how the body controls blood sugar. When a person has diabetes, their body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot use insulin properly.
Insulin is the hormone that helps move sugar from the bloodstream into the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. If sugar stays in the bloodstream for too long, it can damage blood vessels, nerves, and organs.
The number of people with diabetes is increasing around the world every year. In the United Kingdom, health experts estimate that nearly 1.3 million people may be living with type 2 diabetes without knowing it. Because the early stages of the disease often have few clear symptoms, many people do not realize they have it until complications begin to appear.
Early detection is extremely important because untreated diabetes can lead to serious health problems. These may include heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, vision problems, and slow wound healing. Detecting the condition early allows patients to make lifestyle changes and begin treatment that can prevent or delay these complications.
The research team at King’s College London wanted to explore whether dental clinics could help identify people who might have diabetes. Dentists often see patients more regularly than doctors, and many people visit a dentist even if they rarely see their general practitioner.
The researchers carried out the largest study of its kind in the United Kingdom. The study involved 911 patients who were attending routine dental appointments at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust. All of the participants were part of the Oral, Dental and Craniofacial Biobank at King’s College London.
During their dental visit, patients were offered a simple finger‑prick blood test that measured a substance called HbA1c. HbA1c reflects the average level of sugar in the blood over the previous three months.
Unlike some other blood sugar tests, this test does not require patients to fast beforehand. This makes it easier and safer to perform during a dental appointment.
The results of the study were striking. More than 35 percent of the patients who said they had never been diagnosed with diabetes showed HbA1c levels that were higher than normal. These levels suggested that the individuals might have prediabetes or diabetes without realizing it.
Dr. Giuseppe Mainas, a specialist periodontist and research associate at King’s College London and co‑author of the study, explained that dental clinics could provide an important opportunity to identify people at risk.
He noted that this approach may be particularly helpful for older adults, people with a higher body mass index, and individuals who suffer from gum disease.
The study also found that higher HbA1c levels were linked to more severe gum disease. The relationship appeared to increase gradually, meaning that patients with worse gum problems tended to have higher blood sugar levels. This finding adds further evidence to the growing understanding that oral health and metabolic health are closely connected.
Professor Mark Ide, the first author of the study and a professor of periodontology at King’s College London, said that many patients were surprised by their results. Some had no idea they might have elevated blood sugar levels.
When the test showed high HbA1c levels, patients were advised to visit their general practitioner for further investigation and confirmation.
Another advantage of using the HbA1c test in a dental setting is that patients do not need to fast beforehand. Fasting can sometimes increase the risk of fainting, especially when people are sitting in a dental chair. The finger‑prick test therefore offers a quick and practical screening tool.
The research builds on many years of work at King’s College London examining the connection between oral health and other diseases. Previous studies from the same research group have shown that following a Mediterranean diet may help reduce gum disease.
Another recent study suggested that successful root canal treatment could reduce the risk of diabetes complications and cardiovascular disease.
Professor Luigi Nibali, senior author of the study and Director of the periodontology department at King’s College London, explained that the relationship between gum disease and metabolic health works in both directions.
Inflammation caused by gum disease can affect the body’s metabolism, while metabolic problems such as diabetes can worsen inflammation in the gums. This cycle can make both conditions more severe.
The researchers hope that their findings will encourage more collaboration between dentists and medical professionals. In the future, dental clinics across the United Kingdom and beyond may use similar screening methods to identify patients who might otherwise remain undiagnosed.
The study suggests that routine dental visits could become an important part of early diabetes detection.
However, the research also has some limitations. The test used in the dental clinic is a screening tool rather than a full diagnosis. Patients who show high HbA1c levels still need further testing from a medical doctor to confirm whether they have diabetes.
Despite these limitations, the findings highlight an innovative approach to public health. Because dental clinics see millions of patients every year, using them as screening points could help identify large numbers of people who are at risk. Early detection could reduce complications, improve quality of life, and lower the long‑term cost of diabetes care.
Overall, the study provides strong evidence that oral health professionals may play a valuable role in identifying hidden metabolic diseases. By linking dental care with broader health screening, healthcare systems may be able to detect serious conditions earlier and improve patient outcomes.
If you care about diabetes, please read studies about Vitamin D and type 2 diabetes, and to people with diabetes, some fruits are better than others.
For more health information, please see recent studies that low calorie diets may help reverse diabetes, and 5 vitamins that may prevent complication in diabetes.
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