People with diabetes can suffer vision impairment, cardiovascular issues and nerve problems. However, many are not aware that diabetes can harm the teeth as well.
CBS News reports that a new study gives emphasis on the risk of losing your teeth to diabetes. The study reveals that one can lose twice as many teeth compared to those who have no diabetes.
Researchers from Duke University state that the tooth loss has dropped in the United States overall in the past 40 years. However, those who suffer from diabetes remain highly vulnerable. More so, black Americans are found to more likely lose teeth with diabetes.
The researchers studied data on more than 37,000 individuals who were examined between 1971 and 2012 by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) to learn more about tooth loss among adult Americans.
"They did indeed find there was a clear connection between tooth loss and diabetes, especially among African Americans," said American Dental Association spokesperson Dr. Edmond Hewlett.
The data revealed two issues that are significant and timely health issues.
"One is the connection between oral health and overall health. This is something we've been aware of, but this gives additional strong evidence about that. And the other big thing is health disparities -- the rate at which some diseases can affect some racial or ethnic groups more than others," said Hewlett, who is also a professor at the UCLA School of Dentistry.
Although Hewlett admits that diabetes can put patients at a higher risk for gum diseases, it can actually work the other way around. He said that gum disease can be difficult to manage with diabetes. There's also the issue of proper health care access to most African Americans. There is good evidence that show they have lower access to dental care.
The study concludes that there's a need to step up dental self-care and knowledge of diabetes risks especially among African Americans. It is advised to brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day and visit the dentist at least twice a year.
Now we have more reason to take extra care of our teeth.
