Periodontal Disease, Another Complication of Diabetes
Diabetes can take a toll on a person’s health in a number of ways including vision, cardiovascular, and nerve problems. However many people do not realize it can harm your teeth too. Periodontal disease is now considered the sixth complication of diabetes and has been identified as a risk factor in people with diabetes.
A new study published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights the risk and reveals that even though tooth loss has decreased over the last four decades, people with diabetes are much more vulnerable and lose twice as many teeth as those without the condition.
The study analyzed data on more than 37,000 individuals who were examined between 1971 to 2012 from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to learn about tooth loss trends among U.S. adults.
“People with diabetes have poorer oral health-related behaviors and do not brush and floss as often as people without diabetes.”
Research highlights the need to improve dental self-care and knowledge of diabetes risks among people with diabetes, especially among African Americans who experience more tooth loss. It also states that improved access to dental care is essential for the care of adults with diabetes.
For more information on this study go to www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2015/15_0309.htm.
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