Dentists Can Help Diagnose Diabetes

Because the symptoms of diabetes may be subtle, many people with this disease aren’t aware they have it. About a third of people with diabetes have not been tested or diagnosed with the disease.¹

Dentists could play an important role in helping correct this, according to an article in the Journal of Periodontal Research.³ Because of high glucose levels, people with diabetes often have problems with their teeth and gums: Increased glucose helps bacteria thrive.^1,2,3,4

Asking patients with serious periodontal (gum) disease about their family and personal medical history could help dentists steer individuals likely to have diabetes to their regular doctor for help.¹

In addition to gum disease, diabetes also makes people more susceptible to:

• Sore or loose teeth³

• Fungal mouth infections^2,3

• Mouth ulcers³

• Dry mouth^2,3

• Cavities^2,3

People with diabetes who have good control of their blood sugar are less apt to develop these problems.^2,4

¹ “Diabetes in the Dental Office: Using NHANES III to Estimate the Probability of Undiagnosed Disease.” L.N. Borrell et al. Journal of Periodontal Research. December 2007, vol. 42, no. 6, pp. 559–65.

² “Diabetes and Your Oral Health: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).” American Dental Association. www.ada.org/public/topics/diabetes_FAQ.asp Accessed 2008.

³ “Diabetes and Oral Health Problems.” American Diabetes Association. www.diabetes.org/type-1-diabetes/diabetes-and-oral-health-problems.jsp Accessed 2008.

⁴ “Gum Disease and Diabetes.” American Academy of Periodontology. www.perio.org/consumer/mbc.diabetes.htm Accessed 2008.