New insights into diabetes and tooth decay

That's according to new research that reveals diabetes patients who suffer from having a dry mouth appear to have more watery saliva and lower levels of certain salivary proteins and calcium.

Diabetes affects around 4 million people in the UK, and many face an increased risk of oral health issues including tooth decay, and eventually tooth loss. This is thought to occur due to changes in the patient’s saliva causing dry mouth.

The study by researchers at Queen Mary London involved 15 participants; five patients with diabetes and dry mouth; five patients with diabetes without dry mouth; and five healthy participants without diabetes or dry mouth. Saliva samples were collected from all participants and analysed.