Diabetes and Oral Health:

Diabetes and Oral Health

Approximately 2.25 million Canadians have diabetes

Nearly 1 million people with diabetes live in Ontario

By monitoring any oral infections that affect your gums and jaw, your dentist may help detect signs of early onset diabetes

Diabetes and Oral Health

Overview

1. What is diabetes?

2. How does diabetes affect my oral health?

3. What are some of the risk factors/symptoms?

4. Taking control

5. Proper oral hygiene

6. Questions?

Diabetes and Oral Health

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition in which

the body does not produce or

properly use insulin – a hormone

needed to absorb sugar (the basic

fuel for cells). As a result, the body

cannot use sugars from food.

Diabetes and Oral Health

*Canadian Diabetes Association – Snapshot on Diabetes: The Ontario Report# ICES Practice Atlas: Diabetes in Ontario, June 2003

Facts about diabetes*

• More than 2 million Canadians suffer from diabetes– The number is expected to grow to 3 million in the next 4 years

• Among people with diabetes 80% will die of stroke or heart disease

• 1,000 + Ontarians every week learn that they have diabetes

• Ontarians with diabetes make up 7.5% of the population, but account for:

32% of heart attacks

30% of strokes

51% of new dialysis cases

70% of limb amputations#

Diabetes and Oral Health

• In type 1 diabetes the body makes little or no insulin• This often leads to total

insulin deficiency• This condition tends to

occur in individuals under 30 years of age, most often in childhood or during the teen years; older patients exhibit this form of diabetes on occasion

© 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved. http://www.ghi.com/yourhealth/encyclopedia/articles/diabetes_basics.html

Diabetes and Oral Health

• In type 2 diabetes the cells in the body do not respond properly to insulin produced • patients still produce insulin,

but the body doesn’t respond properly to the hormone.

• Direct relationship between the degree of obesity and the risk of developing type 2 diabetes in both children and adults © 2005 WebMD Inc. All rights reserved.

http://www.ghi.com/yourhealth/encyclopedia/articles/diabetes_basics.html

Diabetes and Oral Health

Risk Factors– 40 or older? You may be at risk of type 2 diabetes

• Testing every three years is recommended

– Other risk factors that may require more frequent testing:• Member of a high-risk group• Overweight• Family member with diabetes • Had/have gestational diabetes • High blood pressure • High cholesterol

Diabetes and Oral Health

Symptoms• Unusual thirst • Frequent urination • Weight change (gain or loss) • Extreme fatigue/lack of energy • Blurred vision • Frequent or recurring infections • Cuts and bruises that are slow to heal • Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet • Trouble getting or maintaining an erection

NOTE: Many people with type 2 diabetes display no symptoms

Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes – Left untreated, diabetes can result in

a variety of complications, such as:• Heart disease • Kidney disease • Eye disease • Problems with erection (impotence) • Nerve damage • Infections and other serious

complications

– People with diabetes also face a greater risk of developing oral infections and gum disease

Diabetes and Oral Health

– Tooth decay

– Gum disease

– Dry mouth

– Fungal infections

– Lesions in the mouth

– Taste impairment

– Infection

– Delayed healing

Oral health problems associated with diabetes:

Diabetes and Oral Health

There is some good news!• The good news is that treatment of either disease can

lead to improvements in the other.

Focus on:

•Healthy eating

•Watching your weight

•Physical activity

•Taking control

Diabetes and Oral Health

Take control:

• Stay in touch with your dentist and other health providers

• Let your dentist know:– If you have been diagnosed with diabetes– If the disease is under control– If you take insulin, and when your last dose was administered– If there has been any other change in your medical history, and– The names of all prescription and over-the-counter drugs

Diabetes and Oral Health

Your oral hygiene routine should include:

– Brushing 2-3 times a day (whether real or replacement teeth)

– Flossing once daily – Using toothpaste containing

fluoride– Limiting sweets; and – Visiting your dentist regularly.

Diabetes and Oral Health

Summary

• Your oral health and overall health are related, so talk to your dentist

• Research shows that gum disease and diabetes can affect each other

• Good oral hygiene and regular dental exams are important steps in preserving good health

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Diabetes and Oral Health

Diabetes and Oral Health: