Diabetes and the Dental Health Connection
As reported in the Hudson Valley Business Journal April 16, 2007
According to the American Diabetes Association, nearly 21 million children and adults, 7 percent of the population, currently live with diabetes while an estimated 6.2 million are unaware they have the disease. In conjunction with the American Diabetes Association's alert being observed on March 27th to raise awareness for those who could be at risk
For diabetes, the New York State Dental Association offers tips for controlling diabetes, a disease that impacts oral and overall health. It is not news that mouth and body health are connected and research has shown the link between dental disease and systemic health conditions such as diabetes. Common oral health problems associated with diabetes include: tooth decay; periodontal (gum) disease; salivary gland dysfunction; fungal infections; lichen planus and lichenoid reactions (inflammatory skin disease; infection and taste impairment).
When diabetes is not controlled properly, high glucose levels in saliva help bacteria thrive leading to chronic inflamation and to infections in the mouth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and bones that hold teeth in place, and because diabetes reduces the body's resistance to infection, the gums are among the tissues most likely to be affected. Patients with inadequate blood sugar control appear to develop periodontal disease more often and are more prone to losing teeth.
Dental patients affected by diabetes need to become more aware of hidden sugars in food by reducing or eliminating non-essential sugars from their diet.
Added sugars are found in unlikely places and it is important to read labels and make sure added sugars are not one of the first few ingredients mentioned.
It is crucial that patients share a current, accurate health history, the status of the dissease, medications being taken and any other medical changes. See a dentist immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: bleeding, red, swollen or tender gums; gums that have pulled away from the teeth; pus between teeth and gums; persistent bad breath or bad taste in mouth; loose or separating permanent teeth; changes in how teeth fit together and any change in the fit of dentures.
Diabetes is a silent disease. Most people do not notice any symptoms and could have it for years and many parts of the body, including the mouth, can be harmed by too much sugar in the blood. The New York State Dental Association emphasizes the connection between oral and overall body health urging healthy nutritional choices, good oral hygiene and normal medical screening. For more information: www.diabetes.org