You probably are aware that diabetes can cause problems with the nerves, eyes, kidneys, heart and other parts of the body. But did you know diabetes also puts people at a higher-than-normal risk for oral health problems?
"Most people don't realize the links between diabetes and dental health," says Dr. Sheila Dobee, a dentist who works with patients in the Tri-City community. "People with diabetes are much more prone to develop a variety of oral health problems."
To help you learn more about proper dental care for people with diabetes, Washington Hospital is sponsoring a free "Diabetes Matters" education class, featuring a lecture by Dr. Dobee and a group discussion following the lecture. The session is scheduled for Thursday, December 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Conrad E. Anderson, M.D. Auditorium in the Washington West Building located at 2500 Mowry Avenue in Fremont.
According to the American Dental Association, people with diabetes are at higher risk for a number of problems such as:
- Bacterial and fungal infections of the mouth
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Poor healing of oral tissues after oral surgery or other dental procedures
- Tooth decay
- "Dry mouth" due to salivary gland dysfunction
- Changes in taste sensitivity to sweets that may influence food choices in favor of high-carbohydrate foods
"Controlling your diabetes - as well as maintaining good daily tooth brushing and flossing - can help you avoid these dental health problems," Dobee says. " For example, periodontal (gum) disease is a chronic bacterial infection, and uncontrolled diabetes impairs the function of the body's white blood cells, which help fight infections."
Dobee says that diabetic patients with severe periodontal disease also may face an increased risk of other complications such as cardiovascular disease.
"It's a vicious circle, too, because problems such as periodontal gum disease may make it more difficult for diabetics to control their blood sugar," she says.
In addition to controlling their blood sugar, people with diabetes can take other precautions to prevent oral health problems.
"Obviously, it's important to visit your dentist at least twice a year," Dobee explains. "However, if you have a problem such as periodontal disease, you may need to go more often."
Dobee emphasizes that people with diabetes should always remind their dentist that they have diabetes and be sure to mention any problems such as bleeding gums, dry mouth or fungal infections of the mouth.
"Your dentist is knowledgeable about treating periodontal disease, which may include supplemental placement of antibiotics directly in your gums," she says.
"The dentist also needs to know about your diabetes because the use of steroids to control the inflammation of soft-tissue lesions can affect the function of insulin and cause hyperglycemia."
"And, of course, the dentist will want to avoid giving you any medications, such as some of the anti-fungal drugs, that have a high sugar content," Dobee adds.
"Diabetes Matters" is a monthly program sponsored by WashingtonHospital that provides science-based information to people interested in increasing their knowledge about diabetes. The classes and group discussions are free and require no pre-registration.
The Diabetes Education Program at Washington Hospital received the prestigious American Diabetes Association Education Recognition Certificate for a quality diabetes self-management education program in 2007. The association's Education Recognition Certificate assures that educational programs meet the national standards for quality diabetes self-management education programs.
For more information about Washington Hospital's Diabetes Program, call (510) 745-6556 or visit www.whhs.com, click on the "Services and Programs" tab, then click the link for "Diabetes Services," and choose "Diabetes Matters" from the drop-down menu.
