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Take Special Care of Your Teeth and Gums to Prevent Diabetes Complications
Take Special Care of Your Teeth and Gums to Prevent Diabetes Complications -- Posted by Gumbo on 05-17-05 04:25
Take Special Care of Your Teeth and Gums to Prevent Diabetes Complications
When it comes to diabetes complications, the mouth provides lots of clues.
"Oftentimes, signs that lead to a diagnosis of diabetes or a signal that
diabetes is out of control first take place in the mouth. These signs
include a feeling of "burning" on the tongue, altered taste in the mouth,
dry mouth, and oral candidiasis (yeast infection in the mouth) -- which
looks like white cotton on the tongue, and brushes right off," explains Riva
Touger-Decker, PhD, RD, associate professor at the New Jersey Dental School.
Recent research has identified a correlation between deep pockets of
infection between the teeth and gums (gum disease) and glucose tolerance
status (high blood sugars). Bacteria in deep pockets can lead to serious gum
disease.
Experts acknowledge the link. "There is a correlation between people with
diabetes and gum or periodontal disease," says Sol Silverman Jr., DDS,
professor of oral medicine at University of California San Francisco School
of Dentistry. "But it's a problem that can be essentially prevented. When
blood sugar is under control, there's not too much, if any, difference
between the risks facing diabetics and nondiabetics," he tells WebMD.
The risks of oral-related diabetes complications don't stop at the mouth.
"The mouth is the gateway to the rest of the body," says Touger-Decker.
"When you have more bacteria in the mouth, there's a greater risk for that
bacteria getting into the bloodstream and leading to more widespread
infections."
That's why it's crucial to maintain good oral hygiene to prevent diabetes
complications. The American Dental Association offers these tips on oral
health care to people with diabetes:
a.. Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
b.. Change your toothbrush periodically.
c.. Floss daily.
d.. Make your dentist aware of your blood glucose status.
e.. Consider getting checkups and cleanings every three to four months.
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