Oral health among diabetics is a key issue since so many complications can be attributed to the disease. Even so, a new study shows that there is still a lack of awareness between the importance of oral health and diabetes.
Besides inflamed and swollen gums, poor oral management leads to other serious complications of diabetes, as well as an increased severity of the disease itself. It can also lead to other conditions such as cancer of the mouth, cardiovascular disease and infections.
Research was gathered by surveying 229 adults with diabetes. The results showed how those who did not control their diabetes were increasing the risk of developing gum disease. Surprisingly, out of the group, only 13 percent of them understood how poor oral hygiene could be affected by their diabetes not being managed properly (and vice versa).
Another startling revelation was that only 12 percent of the participants knew that poorly managed diabetes could also lead to loose teeth. However, it did state that there was little evidence of a direct connection between oral health and a poorer general well-being.
The report stated that “Dental and oral self-care tasks were rated as less important than other diabetes self-care tasks, such as taking prescribed medication or having regular eye checks.”
The British Dental Association acknowledged the findings and admitted that the study has made a significant point as to the link between properly managed diabetes and maintaining healthy oral hygiene. They also emphasized the importance of health care providers doing more to point out this link to their patients.
Results of the study can be found in the British Dental Journal.
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