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Diabetes is a serious disease that, if not properly managed, can lead to complications affecting every aspect of your health and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, the incidence of this disease is on the rise worldwide, and it represents one of the most challenging public health problems of the 21st century. According to the latest fact sheet issued by the American Diabetes Association, in the United States alone, close to 30 million adults and children have diabetes.
When someone has diabetes, it means that the body is unable to either produce or properly use a hormone known as insulin. This essential hormone helps to convert sugars, starches, and other foods into energy that the body needs to function.
Too much unused sugar in the bloodstream can lead to several long-term complications, including:
Given the myriad complications associated with diabetes, it's unsurprising that this condition can also significantly impact your oral health.
Research indicates that individuals with diabetes face a heightened risk, three to four times more likely, of developing periodontal disease (gum disease), accompanied by an increased incidence of tissue damage and bone loss. A heightened vulnerability to gum disease aligns with the general observation that people with diabetes are more prone to bacterial infections and possess diminished abilities to combat such infections.
Plus, the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease is a two-way street. Findings suggest that advanced gum disease can also influence blood glucose levels, further complicating blood sugar control and exacerbating the progression of diabetes.
Diabetes, particularly when uncontrolled, can also manifest itself in other oral health issues. Dry mouth, which hampers saliva production crucial for dental hygiene, may develop with diabetes. This situation further increases the risk of tooth decay and potential dental infections.
A person with diabetes is more susceptible to post-operative complications following dental surgery and poor wound healing. Statistics also demonstrate an increased susceptibility to fungal infections like thrush (candidiasis), burning mouth syndrome, and oral lesions.
For individuals with diabetes, establishing a partnership with our office is essential to maintaining optimal oral health and protecting overall well-being. Regular dental check-ups, preventive care, a balanced diet, and a diligent oral hygiene routine at home can go a long way toward minimizing the risks associated with the condition.
While living with diabetes poses challenges for oral health, proactive care, effective management, and a collaborative partnership with our office will enable you to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.