April 09, 2004

By: Rachel Zelmer
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

Oral Health And Diabetes – Links Between Oral Health and Diabetes

The Diabetes Control Program at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, along with the Department of Health and Human Services warned that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease, a disease caused by high blood glucose that attacks teeth and gums.

People with diabetes were advised to practice good oral hygiene and to control their blood sugar to best defend themselves against dental infections.

Barbara Larsen, manager of the State Department of Public Health and Environment's Diabetes Control Program, explained that periodontal disease could lead to the loss of teeth that may be difficult or impossible to replace. She also said that dental infections can cause blood glucose levels to rise even more, thus increasing the severity of the disease.

Gum infections have been called the sixth complication of diabetes because people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease, Larsen said.

Larsen said that sore, swollen and red gums that bleed when brushing teeth are signs of a dental problem called gingivitis. If left untreated, a worse disease called periodontitis occurs. Symptoms of periodontitis include puffy red gums, buildup of plaque, decayed teeth and bad breath.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services urges people with diabetes to do the following:

• * Brush teeth at least twice a day to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
• * Use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste with fluoride. Get a new toothbrush at least every 3 months.
• * In addition to brushing, floss between teeth each day to help remove plaque, a film that forms on teeth and can cause tooth problems.
• * Get teeth cleaned and checked by a dentist at least every six months. At every visit, remind the dentist that you have diabetes. People with periodontal disease should schedule more frequent visits.
• * See a dentist right away if signs of dental disease are experienced, including bad breath, a bad taste in the mouth, bleeding or sore gums, red or swollen gums, sore or loose teeth, or trouble chewing.

Author Notes:

Rachel Zelmer contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  Everything you need to know to get a whiter, brighter smile!