Diabetes and Your Health
Diabetes mellitus is a clinical syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia due to an absolute or relative deficiency of insulin.
Recent studies by the American Diabetes Association stated that about 18 million people in the United States have diabetes. An estimated 13 million are aware of the condition, however 5.2 million have yet to be diagnosed and have no idea that they have the disease. In the United States alone 200,000 die every year due to complications from diabetes.
Dr. Smith and her talented team at Dental Health & Wellness Boston help diabetic patients understand how diabetes affects their dental health. As with any condition, good oral hygiene, including regular brushing, flossing and rinsing, as well as the proper diabetic diet, will go a long way in preventing needless problems. Yet, there are other aspects of dental health and wellness that should be considered for your optimum oral health. If you are diabetic, we are your dental partners, a diabetes dentist conveniently located in the Financial District of Boston.
Understanding the Oral Problems of Diabetics
People living with diabetes are vulnerable to a host of systemic problems in their entire body. Unfortunately, the mouth and teeth are not immune from such problems, and many diabetics with oral problems go undiagnosed until conditions become advanced. Diabetes is a risk factor for severe periodontal disease and diabetics are more likely to develop periodontal disease than nondiabetics. In some cases, periodontal disease increases the severity of diabetes and complicates control of the metabolism and blood sugar levels needed for diabetic care. Control of periodontal infection with the help of a diabetes dentist well-versed in diabetic oral health strategies is an essential component of long-term diabetes control.