{"id":1654,"date":"2026-07-22T15:54:37","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:54:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/?p=1654"},"modified":"2026-07-22T15:57:39","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T14:57:39","slug":"why-healthy-blood-sugar-matters-for-your-gums-jaw-bones-other-dental-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/why-healthy-blood-sugar-matters-for-your-gums-jaw-bones-other-dental-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Healthy Blood Sugar Matters for\u00a0 your Gums, Jaw bones &amp; other Dental Treatment"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"526\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-test.jpg\" alt=\"hba1c-test-wimbledon\" class=\"wp-image-1655\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-test.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-test-200x105.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-test-500x263.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-test-50x26.jpg 50w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-test-768x404.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people know HbA1c is used to monitor diabetes, but fewer realise that blood sugar levels can have a significant impact on oral health. In fact, there is a close two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease.[1][2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At <strong>Dental Rooms Wimbledon<\/strong>, we take a whole-body approach to dentistry. Understanding your HbA1c level can help us tailor your dental care and support healing after treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>What is HbA1c?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>HbA1c is a blood test that measures your average blood glucose over the past two to three months. It helps identify pre-diabetes and diabetes and shows how well blood sugar is being controlled.[1]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why Does HbA1c Matter in Dentistry?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Healthy blood sugar levels allow your body to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>fight infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>heal wounds<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>produce healthy collagen<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>maintain healthy gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>support bone healing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>When blood sugar is poorly controlled, healing may take longer, increasing the risk of infection following dental procedures.[3]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diabetes and Gum Disease<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>People with elevated HbA1c are more likely to develop:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>bleeding gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>swollen gums<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bad breath<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>loose teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gum recession<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bone loss around teeth<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>periodontal disease[2][4]<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Likewise, severe gum disease can make it harder to control blood sugar, creating a cycle of inflammation.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"2406\" src=\"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-scaled.jpeg\" alt=\"hba1c\" class=\"wp-image-1656\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-160x150.jpeg 160w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-500x470.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-50x47.jpeg 50w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-768x722.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-1536x1444.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/hba1c-2048x1925.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>HbA1c and Dental Implants<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Dental implants depend on healthy bone healing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Poorly controlled diabetes may increase the risk of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>delayed healing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>peri-implantitis<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>infection<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>implant complications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Patients with well-controlled HbA1c generally experience implant success rates comparable to non-diabetic individuals.[5][6]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HbA1c and Other Dental Treatments<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Blood sugar control can influence healing following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>tooth extractions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>implant placement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>bone grafting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>periodontal surgery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>gum treatments<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>oral surgery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Benefits of HbA1c Testing<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A simple HbA1c test may help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>identify undiagnosed diabetes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>personalise dental treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>optimise healing<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduce complications<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>support successful implant treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improve long-term gum health <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>encourage better overall health<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Who Should Consider HbA1c Testing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You may benefit if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>have diabetes or pre-diabetes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>have a family history of diabetes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>experience persistent gum disease<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>have slow healing after dental treatment<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>frequently develop oral infections<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>are planning dental implants or oral surgery<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can diabetes cause gum disease?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Diabetes increases the risk of gum disease, and untreated gum disease can also make diabetes more difficult to manage.[2]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Can I still have dental implants if I have diabetes?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes. Most patients with well-controlled diabetes can successfully receive dental implants following a comprehensive assessment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Why might my dentist recommend HbA1c testing?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To better understand your healing potential and ensure treatment is planned safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Does treating gum disease improve blood sugar?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Research suggests effective periodontal treatment may contribute to improved HbA1c levels in some patients.[4]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Caring for Your Smile and Your Health<\/strong> At <strong>Dental Rooms Wimbledon<\/strong>, we believe excellent dentistry starts with understanding the bigger picture. Chairside blood testing for markers such as HbA1c can help us personalise your care, particularly if you&#8217;re considering dental implants, gum treatment or oral surgery. Call us on <strong>020 8946 2426<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>References \u2013 HbA1c, Diabetes &amp; Oral Health Blog<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>1. NHS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>HbA1c Test<\/strong><br>https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/conditions\/type-2-diabetes\/hba1c-test\/<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>2. British Dental Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Preshaw PM, Bissett SM.<br><strong>Periodontitis and Diabetes.<\/strong><br>2019.<br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-019-0794-5\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-019-0794-5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>3. British Dental Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evidence Summary: The Relationship Between Oral Diseases and Diabetes<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/sj.bdj.2017.544\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/sj.bdj.2017.544<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>4. British Dental Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: A Two-Way Relationship<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/sj.bdj.2014.907\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/sj.bdj.2014.907<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>5. British Dental Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diabetes \u2013 Periodontal and Implant Complications<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-022-5274-7\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-022-5274-7<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>6. European Federation of Periodontology (EFP)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Diabetes and Periodontal Diseases<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.efp.org\/\">https:\/\/www.efp.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>7. American Diabetes Association<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Oral Health and Hygiene<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/diabetes.org\/\">https:\/\/diabetes.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>8. British Society of Periodontology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk\">https:\/\/www.bsperio.org.uk<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>9. British Dental Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Early Case Detection of Diabetes in Dental Practice<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-023-6493-2\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-023-6493-2<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>10. British Dental Journal<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Periodontal Therapy and Long-term HbA1c<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-025-9215-0\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41415-025-9215-0<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>11. BDJ Team<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Periodontitis and Diabetes<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41407-020-0311-3\">https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s41407-020-0311-3<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people know HbA1c is used to monitor diabetes, but fewer realise that blood sugar levels can have a significant impact on oral health. In fact, there is a close two-way relationship between diabetes and gum disease.[1][2] At Dental Rooms Wimbledon, we take a whole-body approach to dentistry. Understanding your HbA1c level can help us &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/why-healthy-blood-sugar-matters-for-your-gums-jaw-bones-other-dental-treatment\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading <span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Why Healthy Blood Sugar Matters for\u00a0 your Gums, Jaw bones &amp; other Dental Treatment<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1655,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[93],"class_list":["post-1654","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-hba1c-test-wimbledon"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1654","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1654"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1654\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1669,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1654\/revisions\/1669"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1655"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1654"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1654"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.dentalrooms.co.uk\/cosmetic-dentist-wimbledon\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1654"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}