Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: I have diabetes — does that impact my oral health?
A: Yes. Approximately 17 million people in the US suffer from diabetes mellitus, and more than 400,000 people die from the disease annually. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in many oral complications, including gingivitis and periodontal (gum) disease, salivary gland dysfunction, increased susceptibility to infections, caries/decay, periapical abscesses, loss of teeth, loss of taste, and burning mouth syndrome. It has also been proven that smokers with Type I diabetes are 20 times more likely to develop destructive gum disease that smokers without diabetes, and that people with Type II diabetes (noninsulin-dependent diabetes) are 3 times more likely to develop periodontal disease than people without diabetes. In addition, research indicates controlling chronic infections associated with gum disease in people with Type II diabetes may improve glycemic (blood sugar) control.
