PEOPLE WITH DIABETES VISIT THE DENTIST LESS FREQUENTLY DESPITE LINK BETWEEN DIABETES, ORAL HEALTH

Adults with diabetes are less likely to visit the dentist than people with prediabetes or without diabetes, according to a new study.

The study showed an overall decline in dental visits among adults with and without diabetes, but people with diabetes were consistently the least likely to obtain oral health care.

Research has shown a two-way relationship between diabetes and oral health. People with diabetes are at an increased risk for periodontal disease, a chronic inflammation of the gums and surrounding tissue and bone, while periodontal disease has an adverse effect on blood glucose control—which can contribute to the progression of diabetes. In fact, periodontal disease has been called the “sixth complication” of diabetes after issues like kidney disease, damage to the retina, and heart disease.

For people living with diabetes, regular dental check-ups—paired with proactive dental and diabetes self-care—are important for maintaining good oral health. Regular dental visits provide opportunities for prevention, early detection, and treatment of periodontal disease, which can potentially help with blood glucose control and preventing complications from diabetes.

If you, your family or friends need dental care, we would be honored to provide you with state-of-the-art dental care in our modern dental practice.  Refer someone you love to someone you trust!

Presented as a service to the community by Doctors Hoover and Yanda,

39 Milford Drive, Hudson, Ohio 44236. 330-650-0360. www.drshooverandyanda.com