Delta Dental cites link between gum disease and diabetes
11/15/2011
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M., (Nov. 15, 2011) — Recent research has found a strong correlation between periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes. In fact several studies, including one from the University of Michigan, have found that people with diabetes were much more likely to have gum disease and their condition was more advanced than those without diabetes.1 So, Delta Dental of New Mexico is reminding individuals during National Diabetes Month that good oral health is critical to both oral and overall health.
“Not only are people with diabetes more susceptible to gum disease, but its presence may also make it more difficult for people with diabetes to control their blood sugar,” said Dr. Jed Jacobson, chief science officer and senior vice president of Delta Dental. “Good blood sugar control is important to limiting the amount of damage diabetes can do to many parts of the body. Proper care of the mouth, including treatment of gum disease, may help diabetics achieve better blood sugar control.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently estimated that 26 million people in the United States have diabetes, with seven million Americans having undiagnosed diabetes. Additionally, millions more have prediabetes but are unaware of their condition.
Despite public knowledge that obesity and bad nutritional habits can lead to serious lifestyle diseases, the CDC also estimated that almost four American adults over the age of 20 were diagnosed with diabetes every minute of each day in 2010.2
“Since oral health is such a good predictor of overall health, Delta Dental urges all individuals to make sure they see a dentist for regular check-ups,” Dr. Jacobson said. “Conditions in your mouth can often reveal signs of more serious systemic illnesses such as diabetes. Through regular dental check-ups, your dentist may be the first step toward identifying a serious medical condition.”
About Delta Dental of New Mexico
Delta Dental of New Mexico and its affiliates in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio and Tennessee collectively are among the largest dental plan administrators in the nation. In 2010, the enterprise paid out more than $2 billion for dental care for nearly 8 million enrollees. Its office is located in Albuquerque, N.M.
1 The research for this Report was generously supported with funding from Delta Dental Plans Association and performed by the University of Michigan by George W. Taylor, Wenche S. Borgnakke, Patricia F. Anderson, and M. Carol Shannon. ©DDPA 2009.
2 Source: 2007–2009 National Health Interview Survey estimates projected to the year 2010.