From 1980 through 2012, the number of adults diagnosed with diabetes in the U.S. nearly quadrupled from 5.5 million to 29.1 million, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dentists can play a major role in the diagnosis of diabetes and the reversal of this explosive trend.
Diabetes causes an increase in the prevalence of gum disease, also caused periodontitis, which is a bacterial infection. White blood cells are impaired and blood vessels thicken which slows the flow of nutrients to and waste products from body tissues, including the mouth. This combination of events reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, including periodontal disease.
Additionally, people with uncontrolled diabetes do not heal quickly after oral surgery or other dental procedures. Thrush, a fungal infection of the mouth, is also more prevalent in diabetics. Due to elevated blood sugar levels there can also be a significant increase in the rate of dental decay (cavities) that can lead to serious dental issues if left untreated.
For optimal dental health regular dental examinations and thorough cleanings are essential. Call our office today to avoid future dental complications and insure your oral health.
If you have any dental emergency, call Dr. Steven Levy, an emergency dentist, at 516-378-8600.