Publication Date: 2/28/2005
This webpage is part of a series about detection and prevention of periodontal disease in diabetes
 CONTROL DIABETES: Dental infection in diabetes can cause a series of adverse metabolic consequences, including coma. Rapidly progressive periodontitis is less responsive to conventional dental treatment such as subgingival scaling and plaque control. With continuing bone loss around the teeth, exacerbations may occur. Therefore, preventing infection through local measures and reducing susceptibility to infection by maintaining good control of diabetes are primary steps in preventing periodontal complications. | |
 PRESERVE NATURAL TEETH: Most people with diabetes who lose their teeth do so because of periodontal disease. Dentures may not be completely satisfactory replacements because the size and form of the remaining alveolar ridge may not allow proper fit. People who have diabetes may not tolerate full dentures well, especially when diabetic control is poor, because of mucosal soreness. Every effort should be made to preserve healthy, functional, natural dentition so that persons with diabetes may chew proper foods efficiently and comfortably. | |
 When the base upon which dentures sit is destroyed, dentures will not have the necessary support. This 29-year-old woman with NIDDM of 10 years' duration had severe destruction of the alveolar ridge that made dentures unsatisfactory. | |
 MAINTAIN GOOD ORAL HYGIENE: Periodontitis is a bacterial infection strongly correlated with poor oral hygiene. It can be prevented or arrested by local treatment aimed at plaque and calculus removal and improved oral hygiene, all of which are directed toward eradicating the pathogenic bacteria that cause periodontal disease.
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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/princ/index.html
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