Diabetes and Oral Health

People who have diabetes are at higher risk of developing gum disease

More than 23 million people in the United States—around seven in every hundred persons—have diabetes according to the American Diabetes Association. And about a quarter of them are undiagnosed. Every year, around 1.6 million new cases are diagnosed.

1. Studies have shown that people with diabetes face higher risk of developing oral infections and gum disease compared to those who do not. Oral infections also affect people with diabetes in a more severe way. For this reason, the Academy of General Dentistry encourages those with diabetes to pay extra attention to their oral health.

2. Diabetes is a systemic disease. That means, it affects a number of organs and tissues, or the body as a whole. It is also the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. When these two facts are put together, it does not spell out good news. While diabetes patients have known for a long time that they need to be careful about wounds and infections, it is only recently that the real significance of the role diabetes plays in oral infections, and in particular on gum disease, is being recognized.

The Academy of General Dentistry, in its KnowYourTeeth.com website urges individuals with diabetes to take care of their mouths and have dental infections treated immediately. The Academy’s spokesperso
E. Mac Edington says that "people who receive good dental care and have good insulin control typically have a better chance at avoiding gum disease."

Plaque, the sticky film that accumulates on teeth above and below the gum line can occur in anyone and is easily controlled with regular brushing and flossing. Regular dental cleaning can help get rid of plaque. Bacteria in the plaque cause inflammation of the gums, a condition referred to as gingivitis. Diabetes can make this worse because it reduces the body's resistance to infection. In the absence of regular dental checkups and dental cleaning, untreated gingivitis can lead to gum disease. Both conditions cause inflammation and destruction of tissue supporting teeth.

If you have diabetes, you need to inform your dentist about it during the dental visit. Dentists prescribe antibiotics and medicated mouth rinses to prevent bacterial infections. Professional dental cleaning on a regular basis keeps gingivitis under control by reducing plaque buildup.

If your blood sugar level is not under control, the Academy of General Dentistry also recommends that you talk to both your dentist and physician before receiving elective dental care.

Here are a few other tips:

* Morning dental appointments are best for people with diabetes because blood glucose levels tend to be under better control in the early part of the day.

* If you have a scheduled appointment, eat and take your medications as directed.

* See your dentist on a regular basis, keep him or her informed of your health status and keep your mouth in good health.