News

How To Tell Patients About The Link Between Gingivitis And Diabetes

How To Tell Patients About The Link Between Gingivitis And Diabetes
by Carolina Pickens

The American Diabetes Association reports that a whopping 30 million Americans have diabetes. Unfortunately, this condition comes with many extensive complications that aren't limited to the medical field. Many reports have shown a prevalent connection between diabetes in patients and early to advanced stages of gingivitis.

Studies have shown a possible tie between the disease itself and gingivitis. A person with diabetes is more likely to develop periodontal disease, as claimed by the American Academy of Periodontology.

Some experts believe the presence of gum disease, even in its early stages, can affect a patient's ability to keep his/her blood sugar, or glucose, under control. Conversely, there are professionals who think diabetes negatively affects a person's oral health, because high blood sugar can leave tissues in the mouth and gums prone to infection.

Unattended diabetes can quickly become life-threatening for any patient. Those with gingivitis and any stage of diabetes have been linked to serious problems, including heart and renal (kidney) disease, as well as increased risk of strokes.

Because diabetes is manageable given the right information and medical supplies, the sooner the patients are aware of their condition, the better. This allows them to make life changes to drastically reduce their risk of further aggravating their health.
 
While people almost never get their glucose tested if they feel they don't have a need to, they are likely to go to the dentist's office for routine care and cleanings twice a year, as recommended by most dental professionals. A routine dental appointment could very well be a periodontal patient's only opportunity to learn about the likelihood of developing diabetes.

This creates a dilemma for dentists and periodontists. Do they warn patients with gingivitis or advanced gum disease about the possible likelihood of diabetes? At what point during their patient's care should they mention, or present facts about, this correlation?

Read full article on MultiBriefs.