Oral health: A neglected area of routine diabetes care?

Abstract

• There are recognised bi-directional associations between poor oral health and type 1 and 2 diabetes. • An emerging consensus has identified low levels of patient and professional awareness as a problem. • Oral health is not currently covered in diabetes education programmes or as part of self-management education in primary care. • Primary care should consider integrating oral health with routine diabetes care. • More research is needed to identify successful interventions and their effect on levels of periodontitis, diabetes outcomes and oral health awareness.