Important Facts and Precautions
About Oral Health That You Should Know If You Are Diabetic or Pre-diabetic

Dentistry for Diabetics
September 25, 2009

Important Facts

• There are roughly 24,000,000 diabetics in America.
• There are at least another 57,000,000 who are pre-diabetic
• 1 in 8 households contains a diabetic
• There is a profound closed loop between periodontal problems making it harder and harder to control blood sugar levels, and higher than normal blood sugar levels contributing to gum disease.
• This leads to more tooth loss, bite problems, cosmetic problems - you name it. Use Contact Form (above right) so we can reach you immediately.

The Story of Diabetes and Dentistry

• Diabetics are 2x more likely to develop gum disease - especially if your diabetes is not under control. The gum disease then worsens your diabetes through an automatic response that your body uses to fight infection.
• People with gum disease are 270% more likely to suffer a heart attack than those with healthy gums.
• People who have diabetes and severe gum disease have a premature death rate nearly 8x higher than those who don't have periodontal disease.
• People who have pre-diabetes - blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not in the diabetic range - gum disease makes it more likely that they will become diabetic.
• Once established in a person who has diabetes, a chronic infection that causes gum disease makes it more difficult to control diabetes, and increases damage and complications in blood vessel disease.

What can be done to improve your diabetic condition?

Clinical studies confirm that treatment of gum disease reduces oral inflammation, which removes the factor that triggers the body's inflammatory response helping your diabetic condition. Dental treatments that fight gum infections can also help improve control of blood sugar levels in diabetics. The good news is that these treatments don't require you to take another pill; give yourself an insulin shot; or stay on a special diet.

Here at Dr. Sam Sajoo’s office located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida we offer a complimentary dental examination on how to keep your diabetes under control even if you have been taking your medication, keeping on a strict diet and exercising regularly.

By
Sam Sajoo
posted by Smiles by Design
3471 N. Federal Highway, Suite #200,
Ft. Lauderdale, FL, 33306

Call Dr. Sajoo at (954) 563-0606 or fill out an online contact form (above right) so we can reach you immediately.