Poor Oral Health Puts Patients with Diabetes at Higher Risk of Death

    Oct. 21, 2003
    ADA and Colgate have partnered to combat this growing health concern.

    Severe gum disease in patients with diabetes makes them twice as likely to die from kidney failure or heart disease, according to a recent study. Researchers speculate that when the gums pull far away from the teeth due to severe gum disease, harmful bacteria from the mouth are allowed to enter the bloodstream, affecting these organs. And since diabetes, in general, can interfere with blood circulation, teeth and gums may not get enough nutrients to stay healthy in the first place.

    Speaking here at the American Dental Association's (ADA) 144th Annual Session, Marjorie Jeffcoat, D.M.D., Dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, says these findings highlight the importance of oral health to overall health.

    "Diabetes can weaken the body's resistance to infection and slow the healing process," Dr. Jeffcoat states. "It's importance as a public health problem is increasing; even children are becoming more at risk for diabetes and its serious side effects."

    Dr. Jeffcoat said that in addition to gum disease, which is the most common oral health condition related to diabetes, other mouth problems include oral infections (such as swelling or pus around your teeth or gums), fungal infections (such as thrush), and dry mouth, which may be a side effect of diabetes medication or high blood sugar.

    "Regular dental checkups are very important for patients with diabetes to manage the oral complications of their disease," she advises.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that about 6.2 percent of the U.S. population now has diabetes. The ADA, in partnership with Colgate-Palmolive Company, recently launched a campaign to educate dental professionals and the public about the relationship between diabetes, oral health and dental treatment.

    Colgate will distribute information kits to dentists on caring for patients with diabetes, and the ADA this month published a special edition of the Journal of the American Dental Association entitled, "Treating the Dental Patient with Diabetes." Information for the public is available via the ADA's Web site at www.ada.org.

    Dr. Jeffcoat said patients with diabetes should take an active role in their oral health care by:

    * Brushing teeth twice a day and cleaning between teeth daily with floss or interdental cleaner as directed by the dentist;
    * Visiting the dentist more frequently, if indicated, to keep gum disease under control;
    * Telling the dentist they have diabetes and letting the dentist know of any problems with infections or trouble keeping their blood sugar under control;
    * Scheduling dental appointments for the morning;
    * Scheduling shorter, rather than longer appointments; and
    * Using the bathroom and eating small snacks during treatment breaks if necessary.


    " By eating a healthy diet, taking insulin or oral medications as directed, and telling the dentist they have diabetes, patients can successfully manage the oral complications of their condition, " Dr. Jeffcoat concludes.