August 8th, 2008

New research suggests that gum disease may predict a person’s chances of developing diabetes, reports the New York Times.

Researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health have found that “individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within 20 years, even after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity and diet.”

The Times reports that nearly 35 percent of adults have some form of gum disease.  While genetics plays a role in gum disease, tobacco and medication side effects, such as dry mouth, also contribute to oral health problems.