DIABETES CAN INCREASE RISK OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Prevention of Gum Disease Depends on Blood Sugar Control and Dentist/Patient Teamwork

PARSIPPANY, NJ (July 31, 2001) – Diabetics have a higher than normal risk of periodontal diseases, according to Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey (Delta Dental), New Jersey's largest dental benefits carrier. By adhering to certain practices, however, diabetics can limit and possibly offset periodontal diseases, or infections of the gum and bone that hold the teeth in place.

Periodontal diseases can lead to painful chewing problems and even tooth loss. The best defense against this complication of diabetes is good blood sugar control, combined with daily brushing and flossing and regular dental check-ups.

"There are several factors that increase a diabetic's risk of gum disease," says Dr. Scott Navarro, Dental Director, Delta Dental. "For example, diabetes causes blood vessels to thicken, which slows the rate at which nutrients are brought to tissues in the mouth and waste products are removed. This can weaken the resistance of gum and bone to infection."

"Another problem for diabetics," continues Navarro, "is increased levels of bacteria (germs) in the mouth fluids. Many bacteria thrive on glucose, which is linked to diabetes. High glucose levels in the mouth may attract destructive bacteria, which can lead to gum disease."

Treatment for Diabetics with Periodontal Disease
It is important for patients to know how well their diabetes is controlled and to communicate this information to their dentist at each visit. Before scheduling treatment for periodontal disease, patients should see their doctor and ask them to talk to their dentist or periodontist about their overall medical condition.

Diabetics may need to change their meal schedule and timing of insulin dosage if oral surgery is planned. Dr. Navarro suggests postponing non-emergency dental procedures if blood sugar is not under control. However, acute infections, such as abscesses, should always be treated right away.

Other Oral Problems Linked to Diabetes
Diabetics can be susceptible to thrush, an oral yeast infection caused by high levels of glucose in saliva. Symptoms of thrush, which include white spots on the tongue and burning sensation in the mouth, can be treated by prescription medications such as rinses, ointments, lozenges, or pills.

Smoking and wearing dentures can also lead to fungal infection for those with diabetes. To prevent infection, Dr. Navarro recommends maintaining good diabetic control, not smoking, and daily denture removal and cleaning.

Dry mouth (also called xerostomia), often a symptom of undetected diabetes, can cause soreness, ulcers, infections, and tooth decay. It can be treated with prescriptive fluoride gels or rinses, or artificial saliva. Dr. Navarro also advises that good blood glucose control can help prevent or relive dry mouth caused by diabetes.

The correlation between diabetes and oral disease further strengthens the Surgeon General's assertion that oral health and overall health are vitally linked. Maintaining good oral health must be a team effort between the patient, the doctor and the dentist.

Delta Dental Plan of New Jersey, Inc., is New Jersey’s leading and largest dental benefits carrier, providing coverage to more than one million people through contracts with employers in New Jersey and Connecticut. The Delta Dental Plan system is a national network of independently operated, not-for-profit dental service corporations specializing in providing dental benefits programs for employee groups throughout the country. For more information visit us on the Web at deltadentalnj.com.