How Does Diabetes Affect Oral Health?
Fast Facts
- 280 Australians develop diabetes every day
- Over 100,000 Australians have developed diabetes in the past year.
- Diabetes is the fastest growing chronic condition in Australia
- Almost 1.1 million Australians currently have diagnosed diabetes.
There are thought to be many more individuals as yet undiagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. And, diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems. These infections occur more often after puberty and in aging patients.
Good oral home care and maintenance are critical. A customised preventive programme is recommended in order to avoid development of damaging dental disease.
