Research shows that diabetes and your oral health can affect each other. This means if you have diabetes, you're at greater risk for developing oral health problems such as gum disease and infections.
Read the 2014 media release - Diabetes and Oral Health: Your Dentist Sees More Than Your Teeth.
Use these links to scroll down to the following topics:
How Your Dentist Can Help
It’s important to remember that your dentist is your oral health expert, who has the training and experience necessary to properly assess your oral health. During an oral exam, if your dentist finds signs that you are at risk for diabetes, or that your existing diabetes is not well-controlled, you’ll be referred to your family doctor for follow-up treatment or testing.
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The good news is that treating either gum disease or diabetes can lead to improvements in the other. For an introduction to diabetes and oral health, you can download the ODA brochure ‘Your dentist sees more than just your teeth.’ To help you prepare for your next visit, here are some things you should tell your dentist:
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Symptoms of Diabetes
Some symptoms of diabetes include:
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What is Gum Disease?
Gum disease is a type of bacterial infection caused by the build-up of plaque, the sticky, colourless film that forms on teeth every day. Gum disease affects both the gums and the bones supporting your teeth. It appears in two forms: gingivitis and periodontitis.
The mild form of gum disease is called gingivitis, in which the gums become sore, red, bleeding or puffy. Gingivitis can be easily reversed by a visit to the dentist, in addition to the patient working harder at brushing and flossing.
Untreated gingivitis can escalate into what’s known as periodontitis. This type of gum disease can lead to the destruction of gum tissue and the bone supporting the teeth.
Oral Health Problems Associated with Diabetes
Through an oral examination, your dentist uses their training and expertise to look for certain oral health conditions that could signal a need for you to be tested for diabetes.
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The most common oral health problems found in people with diabetes include:
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Am I at Risk for Diabetes?
If you’re 40 or over, you may be at risk for type 2 diabetes, although many people with type 2 diabetes display no symptoms.
Other risk factors:
Diabetes Statistics in Ontario and Canada
Source: Canadian Diabetes Association, 2008.
For more information, visit the Canadian Diabetes Association website.