Dental Health and Diabetes

***UPDATED: February 23, 2015*** For individuals who have lost a permanent tooth, dental implants have proven to be a very effective method for replacement. Unfortunately, those suffering from diabetes haven’t been able to take advantage of the many benefits of implants. Diabetics have a more difficult time fighting infections and their wounds often take longer to heal, making them less than ideal candidates for the popular dental procedure. But this once accepted fact may be changing thanks to a new study reported on in a recent Dentistry Today article. The study involved more than 200 implants placed and researchers following patients for more than a year. While the patients with diabetes took a longer time to heal, they still did indeed heal, with only two implants failing. While researchers acknowledge that these patients will need to be monitored continuously over the next few years for infection or failure, the preliminary results look promising, giving hope to many diabetics suffering from tooth loss.

A link has been discovered between those with periodontal disease and diabetes risks.  Some diabetes risk factors include high body mass index, high blood pressure and family history.  According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey from 2003, 93% of people with periodontal disease had some or all of these diabetes risk factors.  Researchers from NYC believe that a trip to your dentist is the first step towards preventing diabetes.

The survey looked at 2900 participants and obtained information such as weight, height, family history, age, health and blood pressure according to the article “Your Dentist May be Able to Determine Your Diabetes Risk” by Frank Mangano on NaturalNews.com.  In the same study they also found that people with periodontal disease were far less likely to have seen a dentist in the past two years.  Visiting your dentist is more important than ever.

Because of the study, more and more dentists are screening for diabetes risk factors and educating their patients on the importance of oral health.  Diabetes is a very serious disease affecting approximately 24 million people.  By 2025 they are predicting the disease will affect about 44 milion people.  With periodontal disease being the second most common cause of infections, this prevention should be taken seriously.  Not only should you brush, floss and visit your dentist, but eating right, exercising and maintaining a healthy weight all play into oral health as well as overall health.