
Diabetes and your Oral Health
Most health experts say that Ireland is facing a huge increase in the number of people with diabetes.
Studies have also shown that a majority of gum disease sufferers were found to be at high risk of developing diabetes.The researchers found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within 20 years, even after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity and diet.
Diabetic patients with poor blood sugar level control are likely to have gum disease more frequently and also in a much more severe manner.
Good oral hygiene is KEY for patients with diabetes as gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) can be treated and reversed. However if left untreated, periodontitis (the advanced stage) can occur which in turn may lead to bone loss(foundation around tooth) and tooth loss.
What can you do?
Diabetic patients need to pay much more attention to their oral health and ensure a visit to us every six months for a full dental health check and a thorough cleaning of your teeth. You should also inform us if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and ask for advice on keeping your mouth healthy.
Most health experts say that Ireland is facing a huge increase in the number of people with diabetes.
Studies have also shown that a majority of gum disease sufferers were found to be at high risk of developing diabetes.The researchers found that individuals with elevated levels of periodontal disease were nearly twice as likely to become diabetic within 20 years, even after adjusting for age, smoking, obesity and diet.
Diabetic patients with poor blood sugar level control are likely to have gum disease more frequently and also in a much more severe manner.
Good oral hygiene is KEY for patients with diabetes as gingivitis (the early stage of gum disease) can be treated and reversed. However if left untreated, periodontitis (the advanced stage) can occur which in turn may lead to bone loss(foundation around tooth) and tooth loss.
What can you do?
Diabetic patients need to pay much more attention to their oral health and ensure a visit to us every six months for a full dental health check and a thorough cleaning of your teeth. You should also inform us if you have recently been diagnosed with diabetes and ask for advice on keeping your mouth healthy.