Among the 2.5 million Hispanics in the United States who have diabetes (1), many are surprised to learn about an unexpected complication associated with this condition: gum disease.According to the Centers for Disease Control, there is an increased prevalence of gum disease among diabetics, a disease that disproportionately affects Hispanics in the United States.
A national survey of tests, Mexican Americans are almost twice as likely as white non-Hispanics that a doctor diagnosed diabetes.
And among Hispanics, the prevalence rates of diabetes are quite high of 8.2% for Cubans, 11.9% for Mexican Americans, and 12.6% for Puerto Ricans.
A recent study shows that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop gum disease than people without diabetes. This increased risk is due to a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums, causing that diabetics are more susceptible to bacterial infection.
New research also suggests that the association between serious gum disease and diabetes is a two-way relationship. Not only diabetics are more susceptible to gum disease, but gum disease may have the potential to affect the control of glucose in the blood and contribute to the progression of diabetes.
Under the Awareness Month Diabetes, November, primary care providers and dentists across the country are telling their patients the association between oral health and diabetes and the importance of good oral health as part overall control of diabetes.
“In general, there is less awareness among diabetics and Hispanic communities of the link between oral health and the short-and long-term can have a successful and comprehensive plan for diabetes control,” said Dr. Victor Rodriguez DDS, president of the Hispanic Dental Association.“This link is particularly important to Hispanics, as the bacteria associated with gum disease may be influenced further by the diabetes. Several studies on the effect of diabetes on periodontal disease have found that diabetes can weaken the connective tissue around the gums and cause various adverse effects in the mouth, and salivary gland dysfunction, ulcers, infections and dental caries. ”
Diabetes patients can combat the risk of gum disease and other oral health problems picking his teeth with flossing, visiting the dentist regularly and brushing the teeth daily with antibacterial toothpaste like Colgate Total ®. Unlike regular toothpaste, toothpaste, Colgate Total ® reduces germs that cause gingivitis, an early form of gum disease, 90%, compared to regular toothpaste with fluoride, 12 hours after brushing teeth. Also, toothpaste is the only FDA-approved * to prevent gingivitis and highly recommended by most dentists to care for the gums.
Month In recognition of Diabetes Awareness, toothpaste, Colgate Total ® offers the following recommendations for maintaining good oral hygiene:
* Check your blood sugar: If the level of blood glucose is poorly controlled, is more likely to contract a severe gum disease than people who are inadequately controlled glucose levels in blood
* Floss at least once a day: Flossing removes plaque between teeth and under the gumline
* Brush teeth at least twice daily and use an antibacterial toothpaste: It has been shown that smoking reduces germs that cause gum disease
* Schedule regular dental cleanings: Visit your dentist at least twice a year for professional cleanings and remind them to have diabetes, oral care should be part of your overall diabetes control to ensure that gum disease does not cause increased blood sugar, making it difficult to control diabetes
* Look for early signs of gum disease: Communicate with your dentist any signs of gum disease include redness, swelling and bleeding gums.