Health & Wellness - Jan 17

38 & January 2017 | Read this issue and more at www.healthandwellnessmagazine.net | Like us @healthykentucky
Diabetes and Dental Health
Majority of people with diabetes also
have periodontal disease
Diabetes
is linked to
increased periodontal
disease,
tooth decay
and tooth loss. Periodontal disease
is a chronic bacterial infection that
affects the gum and bone supporting
the teeth. It begins when the bacteria
in plaque causes the gums to become
inflamed. It is a serious infection
that, if left untreated, leads to tooth
loss. For diabetic patients, it can be
life threatening. People with diabetes
are more likely to have periodontal
disease than others; more than 70
percent of diabetic patients also have
periodontal disease. This is probably
because diabetics are more susceptible
to infections.
Research suggests the link goes
both ways: Periodontal disease may
make it more difficult to control
By Angela S. Hoover, Staff Writer
blood sugar and uncontrolled blood
sugar can make it more difficult to
eliminate periodontal disease. Severe
periodontal
disease can
increase blood
sugar. Research
has shown that
after treating
periodontal
disease, it is
easier to manage
a patient’s diabetes.
Diabetes
increases the
likelihood of
tooth decay.
“In diabetic
patients, due to
the slow glucose
metabolism rate and low immunity,
a high glucose level in saliva leads to
People with
diabetes are
more likely to
have periodontal
disease than
others.
bacterial infection, resulting in diabetic
oral manifestations like swollen
gums,” said Dr. Vikas Goud. “The
insulin, which would have helped in
glucose metabolism, is now used to
fight infections. Therefore, the sugar
level goes up further, posing a risk
to diabetic patients. Once the sugar
level comes down, the swollen gums
become normal.”
A recent study from the University
of Buffalo School of Dental
Medicine showed people with diabetes
were more than twice as likely to
lose all their teeth than people without
diabetes.
A cohort study
from 1971 to
2012 found this
risk is highest
in non-Hispanic
blacks.
Oral Care
for People with
Diabetes
Regular oral
hygiene and visits
to the dentist
are imperative
for people
with diabetes.
Teeth should be
brushed at least
twice daily with a soft brush. When
possible, brush them about 30 minutes
after meals. Brushing with soft
bristles is important because stiff
bristles or brushing too vigorously
can damage the gums and increase
the potential for dental problems.
Teeth should also be flossed at least
once a day.
Tongue brushing is a good practice
for oral health. You can use
a tooth brush, a tongue brush, a
tongue scraper or special cleaners.
Mouth rinsing is another important
oral hygiene practice. Choose your
mouth rinse carefully. Some rinses
have fluoride intended to decrease
cavities, but this does nothing for
gum disease or bad breath. Other
rinses are meant to be used prior to
brushing. The best types of mouth
rinse for gum disease and bad
breath – which are of great concern
for people with diabetes – address
bacteria and their byproducts that
contribute to these problems.
Mouth rinses containing oxidizing
agents are recommended, and they
should also be sugar-free. Another
concern for people with diabetes
is the amount of alcohol in a rinse
because it has a drying effect.
Saliva plays an important role in
oral health. Anything that dries
out oral tissues is likely to increase
oral health problems, including the
potential for bacterial growth.