Diabetes And Increased Risks Of Dental Care Issues

It is a known fact that the people who suffer from certain serious diseases have elevated chances to experience various dental problems as well. However, it is obvious that being aware about this situation and taking actions of any kind in order to prevent all sorts of dental problems is a very important factor. At the same time, according to the last research of British scientists, published recently in the British Dental Journal (BDJ), quite a few patients with such common disease as type 2 diabetes are aware about the fact that diabetes is linked to increased risks of dental care issues.

A fundamental research titled Oral health awareness in adult patients with diabetes: a questionnaire study, which evoked a great interest and public resonance, studies the connections between advanced stages of type 2 diabetes and dental infections, dental inflammations, as well as progression of such serious diseases as gum disease or tooth loss. It is also mentioned that type 2 diabetes is closely associated with poor cardiovascular health, elevated risks of developing oral cancer and other serious diseases and health conditions. As a part of the study, the academics interviewed 229 patients with type 2 diabetes in one of British clinics, and they found out that quite a few people showed awareness about the above mentioned factors and risks.

In particular, the scientists report that only as small amount of patients with diabetes as 13 per cent knew about the connections between swollen and bleeding gums and type 2 diabetes, and just only 12 per cent of the patiens know about the links between tooth loss and type 2 diabetes. Authors of the study from Warwick Medical School, write: ‘Dental and oral self-care tasks were rated as less important than other diabetes self-care tasks, such as taking prescribed medication or having regular eye checks. Around one-third of patients rated daily flossing as the least important health related activity‘

It is necessary to say that the expert at the British Dental Association were very much disappointed and worrying after receiving the findings of this research. According to their opinion, this study has shown the necessity to raise public awareness about the importance of dental care for patients with type 2 diabetes. It is crucial for all modern dental care professionals to make people aware about the connections between dental health and several serious diseases. And everyone with type 2 diabetes should remember that brushing teeth twice a day, flossing and visiting your dentist twice a year are the key factors for an effective dental care.

Tags: dental care, type 2 diabetes