(NAPSA)—Arecent study in The Journalof the American Dental Association found that one out of five cases of total tooth loss in the United States is linked to diabetes. While complications are part of managing diabetes, for the nearly 26 million people in the U.S. living with the condition, tooth loss and other dental health problems are unlikely to be on their radar. Whenit comes to diabetes and dental health, research suggests that the connection actually goes both ways. On the one hand, because of lowered resistance to infection and a longer healing process, gum disease appears to be more frequent and more severe among those with diabetes. On the other hand, it appears that treating gum disease in people with diabetes can actually help people improve control over their blood sugarlevels. “A dentist can be a valuable memberof a diabetes health care team, along with a primary care provider and other health professionals,” said Alice G. Boghosian, DDS,and an American Dental Association (ADA) consumeradviser. The American Diabetes Association estimates that 79 million : Diabetes And Your Dental Health People with diabetes should make sure their dentist is aware of the condition. That way, they can work together to create a personal oral care plan. people, or one in four, may have prediabetes, or blood glucose levels that are above average but not quite high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. Additionally, of the nearly 26 million Americans with diabetes, about 7 million arestill undiagnosed. With those figures in mind, regular health care checkups should be a priority, including dentalvisits that may help to identify potential signs of diabetes that appear in the mouth. “In my practice, I’ve seen severely inflamed gums and cases of gum disease that have, together with a patient’s medical history, prompted a discussion about whether there is a potential risk of diabetes,” said Dr. Boghosian. “Oral health and overall health are connected, and as a dentist, it’s my job to flag signs of poor oral health that mightalso signal other serious health conditions.” People with diabetes should makesure their dentist is aware ofthe condition, andtogether, create a personaloral care plan.Also, be sure to ask your dentist how you can check for signs of gum disease at homein between dental checkups. Regardless of whether you have diabetes, practicing good oral care is essential to a healthylifestyle. The ADA urges you to make mouth-healthy habits a priority. Be sureto: Brushfor two minutes twice a daywith fluoride toothpaste * Floss daily Eata healthy diet * Visit your dentist regularly. For more information on diabetes and oral health,please visit www.mouthhealthy.org.
