Health Leader, Diabetes & Oral Health

Diabetes & Oral Health

How are periodontal disease and diabetes related?

An estimated 17 million people in the United States have diabetes
Only one-half of these individuals are aware that they even have this problem
Diabetics are more susceptible to oral infections and periodontal disease
Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients
Diabetics who do not have their blood sugar levels controlled have more oral health problems
Periodontal disease is often considered the sixth complication of diabetes.

What is periodontal disease?

Periodontal (gum) disease may result from gingivitis, an inflammation of the gums usually caused by the presence of bacteria in plaque
Plaque is the sticky film that accumulates on teeth both above and below the gum line
Without regular checkups, periodontal disease may result
Gum disease can cause inflammation and destruction of tissues surrounding and supporting teeth, gums, bone and fibers that hold the gums to the teeth

What are some risk factors of periodontal disease?

Diabetes
Smoking
Poor oral hygiene
Genetic makeup

If diabetic, what types of problems could I experience?

Diminished salivary flow and burning mouth or tongue
Dry mouth may develop, causing an increased incidence of decay
Gum recession occurs more frequently and more extensively in moderate- and poorly-controlled diabetics
To prevent problems with bacterial infections in the mouth, your dentist may prescribe antibiotics, medicated mouth rinses, and more frequent dental cleanings

How can I stay healthy?

Take excellent care of your mouth and visit your dentist regularly
Have dental infections treated immediately
Diabetics who receive regular dental care and have good insulin control typically have a better chance of avoiding gum disease
Diet and exercise may be the most important changes diabetics can make to improve their quality of life and their oral health
Diabetic patients should be sure both their medical and dental care providers are aware of their medical history and periodontal status
Patients should be aware of their blood sugar levels in addition to having their triglycerides and cholesterol levels checked on a regular basis

Reprinted with permission from the Academy of General Dentistry

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Health Tip:

Packing Bag Lunches Safely

If you pack lunches for your child to take to school, be careful that you do not accidentally expose them to foodborne illness.

Bagged lunches, especially those containing perishable foods, need to be packed and handled properly in order to keep the food safe. In general, perishable foods should not be left at room temperature for more than two hours. If left out too long, the temperature of the food can enter the danger zone where bacteria grow most rapidly, which is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Below are some tips to help families pack bagged lunches safely:

Pack foods that are nonperishable and won't require refrigeration.
If you do pack perishable foods such as luncheon meats or prepackaged cheese and crackers, include a frozen gel pack or a frozen juice carton with the food in an insulated lunch bag or box.
Pack only the amount of perishable food that your child can eat at lunch.
Preparing lunches the night before and storing them in the refrigerator until you pack your child's lunchbox in the morning can help keep food cold longer the next day.
Don't reuse packaging materials such as paper or plastic bags, aluminum foil, etc. as they can contaminate other foods and cause foodborne illness. Have your child discard all used food packaging and paper bags after lunch.

Before eating lunch or snacks at school, make sure your child washes his or her hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. If your child's school does not have a handwashing program in place, encourage them to adopt a such a program, as handwashing is one of the best ways kids and parents can protect health and stop the spread of germs.