This webpage is part of a series about
detection and prevention of periodontal disease in diabetes
-
Inform patients that periodontal infection may make it more difficult to control diabetes and conversely, that poor diabetic control may increase susceptibility to
infection.
- Patients who have diabetes should know that they may be more likely to get gum infections and that the infection may take longer to heal. Long-standing infection may lead to loss of teeth.
- Because of the importance of proper diet in helping control diabetes, the desirability of maintaining natural dentition should be emphasized. Persons with diabetes may have problems in wearing dentures.
- Good oral hygiene will help prevent many periodontal problems. Patients should be counseled to carry out regular self-examinations of the mouth. Bleeding gums may be a sign of infection, and patients who notice this or other unusual lesions in the mouth should see a dentist.
- Because persons with diabetes may often be unaware that they have periodontal disease, they should have a dental checkup at least every 6 months and make
certain that the dentist knows about their diabetes.
From the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research
Detection and Prevention of Periodontal Disease in Diabetes
June 1994
http://www.nohic.nidcr.nih.gov/pubs/perdiab/patient/index.html
Also see
other webpages about
teeth
and
periodontal disorders
|
|
|
