A link between diabetes and gum disease has been discovered.
Research carried out at the New York University (NYU) has shown that 90 per cent of people with gum disease are at high risk of developing diabetes. 
As a result, maintaining good oral health should be a priority for everyone, with regular trips to the dentist advised to ensure people are keeping their mouths in the best possible condition.
“In light of these findings, the dental visit could be a useful opportunity to conduct an initial diabetes screening – an important first step in identifying those patients who need follow-up testing to diagnose the disease,” commented Dr Shiela Strauss, an associate professor at NYU’s dentistry school.
Elsewhere, Chronicle Live recently reported the importance of maintaining good oral health to help Brits reduce their risk of having a stroke.
The publication revealed how Christine Walker, 33, of Newcastle, suffered a stroke when she was 22 due to a bacterial infection in her mouth which spread to her heart and caused a blood clot in her brain.