The connection between gum disease and diabetes

Diabetes is an illness in which the body does not produce or properly use insulin. Insulin is needed by the body to convert sugar and other food that we eat into energy to carry us throughout the day. Although the cause of diabetes is still a mystery, being overweight and not exercising seems to contribute to the risk of developing diabetes.

According to the American Diabetes Association, about 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. An estimated 13 million are aware of the condition; however 5.2 million people have no idea that they have this disease. In the United States alone 200,000 die every year due to diabetes. Here in Saipan diabetes is a big problem and concern, with a large portion of the population living with diabetes. Of more concern are the number of people who are unaware that they too are suffering from diabetes.

However, help in detecting diabetes may come from an unlikely source—a dental hygienist. Studies have found a link between gum disease and diabetes. Signs of disease often appear in the mouth. Diabetic patients have a greater chance of developing infections generally, therefore 95 percent of diabetics have some form of gum infection. It has been found that severe gum disease may increase the risk of developing diabetes, and may make it more difficult to manage blood sugar levels.

There is good news though, for those patients who receive treatment for gum disease may be able to control the condition with less insulin. Dental hygienists often can notice signs of diabetes during routine oral health exams. Foamy saliva and usually dry mouth are common signs of diabetes. Diabetic patients often lose more teeth compared to patients without the condition.

According to the American Diabetes Association, diabetes that goes unchecked or untreated can result in serious and life-threating complications, such as blindness; kidney disease; heart disease and stroke; and nerve disease that lead to limb amputation.

So remember October is National Dental Hygiene Month; if you have not seen your dental hygienist this year yet, make an appointment soon. In addition to helping patients understand the connection between oral health care and overall health, dental hygienists inform patients about proper oral hygiene and treat gum disease to prevent the condition from advancing and complicating other diseases. For more information on diabetes, check out the website at www.diabetes.org

Warning signs of diabetes:

* Frequent urination

* Extreme hunger

* Unusual thirst

* Frequent infections

* Blurred vision

* Unusual weight loss

Warning signs of gum disease:

* Bleeding gums when you brush your teeth or eat

* Red swollen, or tender gums

* Pus between your teeth and gums when the gums are touched

* Bad breath or unusual taste in your mouth

Recommendations for diabetics:

* Monitor your blood glucose level

* Have your teeth cleaned and checked at least every 6 months.

* Brush at least twice each day to remove plaque, using a soft nylon brush with rounded ends on the bristles.

* Use dental floss at least once a day to remove plaque and bacteria from between your teeth. (Special floss holders and various types of floss are available to make flossing easier.) (Lori Demaine BS, RDH)