Severe Gum Disease Common in Diabetics

THURSDAY, Oct. 23 (HealthDayNews) -- Toothbrushes and floss should join glucose monitoring kits as part of a diabetic's daily regimen to stem the complications of the disease.

"Periodontal disease, leading to tooth rot, tends to be far more common and severe in people with diabetes than in people without diabetes," says Dr. Marjorie Jeffcoat, dean of the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.

In a presentation on Oct. 23 at the annual meeting of the American Dental Association in San Francisco, Jeffcoat reviewed and summarized the current studies related to diabetes and oral health.

According to Jeffcoat, this topic is especially timely given the epidemic of people, including young people, with type 2 diabetes in the United States. And she notes the number of diabetics is likely to increase dramatically over the next decade.

Jeffcoat adds that among physicians who specialize in diabetes, many consider periodontal disease another major complication of the disease.

Periodontal disease is an infection, and as with other infections diabetics suffer, glucose control tends to be compromised, Jeffcoat says. However, "studies have shown that treating the infection tends to improve glucose control," she notes.

Diabetics are much more prone to all types of infections, Jeffcoat says. This also applies to gum disease, which is caused by bacteria lodged between the teeth and gums.

"Diabetics are more prone to lose teeth in the same way they have more problems with their eyes, skin, feet, heart and kidneys," she says.

People with diabetes should make a point of having regular dental checkups, Jeffcoat says. She advises her patients to see their dentist at least four times a year.

"We want to pick up any early signs of gum disease before it becomes more severe," she says. The goal is to treat the disease and provide preventive care before oral surgery is needed, Jeffcoat stresses.

The first line of defense is a good cleaning above and below the gums, she says. At home, patients should floss and brush twice daily, Jeffcoat adds.

Jeffcoat says that with diabetic patients, dentists need to look for any signs of disease and treat it aggressively.

To patients she says, "I know it's one more thing to worry about, but it's one more thing we can really help with. Seeing your dentist will help prevent future gum disease and help you keep your teeth for a lifetime."

Dr. Eugene Barrett, a professor of medicine at the University of Virginia and the president of the American Diabetes Association, agrees that gum problems are more common among people with diabetes.

He says the increase in periodontal disease may be caused by an increased amount of sugar found in the saliva of diabetics. "Another cause, which may be even more of an issue, is that when sugar levels are high the ability of white blood cells to fight infection is diminished. And the higher the blood sugar, the less effective white blood cells become," he says.

To maintain healthy teeth and gums and to prevent infection, Barrett also advises diabetics to have "good routine dental care and have regular visits to their dentist."

More information

To learn more about diabetes and dental care, visit the American Dental Association Web site at http://www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_faq.asp or the American Diabetes Association Web site at http://www.diabetes.org


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