According to the National Institutes of Health, about one-third of the 26 million Americans with diabetes have severe periodontal disease which is causing the gum tissue and bone around the teeth to break down. Those that have poorly managed diabetes are almost 3 times more at risk of developing periodontitis.[1] Essentially, patients with diabetes are more susceptible to bacterial infection, thus a higher risk of periodontitis.
There is extensive research on this subject matter, everywhere from the effects diabetes has on blood glucose, to inhibited salivary glands. But the bottom line is if left untreated, periodontal disease leads to tooth loss and other serious oral health issues. You should see your dentist more often if you have diabetes. And you should ignore the implications of your health insurance not covering more than 2 visits, because your health is too important to put a price tag on.
We are a multi-specialty practice with in-house periodontal diagnosis and treatment serving Sandy Springs, Buckhead, Roswell, Dunwoody, East Cobb and surrounding communities. We have been around for a long time. If we can be of service please do not hesitate to contact us. The consult is free.
Novy Scheinfeld, DDS, PC
290 Carpenter Drive, 200A
Atlanta (Sandy Springs), GA 30328
404-256-3620
Related articles
- Buckhead: Dentist: New Directions in Oral Health Care (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Dentist: Buckhead: Healthy smile, healthy you! (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Sandy Springs Dentist: Breast Cancer and Oral Health Care (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Dentist Buckhead: Gum disease linked to infertility (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Dentist Sandy Springs: Multiple Disciplines under One Roof (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
- Dentist Buckhead: Windows Global Health seen through dentistry. (therightsmile.wordpress.com)
[1] American Academy of Periodontology http://www.perio.org/resources-products/pdf/lr-diabetes.pdf