Researchers looked at the records of 2,923 adults, none of whom had yet been diagnosed with diabetes. The researchers collected data that could indicate that the subjects could be at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, such as age, weight, and other diabetes risk factors (family history, for example). They took this information and compared the subjects with those who had been diagnosed with periodontitis, gum disease.

What was found that 62.9% of subjects who did not have periodontitis and 93.4% of those with periodontitis met guidelines set by the American Diabetes Asssociation for needing diabetic screening.

Interestingly, only 33.9% of those who were at risk and who had periodontitis had seen a dentist within the previous six months, half within the past year, and 60.4% within the past two years.

The study findings, published in the most recent issue of Journal of Public Health Dentistry, gives the medical profession another tool to help find people who may otherwise not be diagnosed. Diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, is predicted to possible reach epidemic proportions in countries like the United States. Yet, it’s one of the most preventable diseases in most cases. Teamwork could help reduce the effects of such a serious disease.

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Image: PhotoXpress.com

Post from: Blisstree

Gum Disease and Diabetes Connection

Three years ago I had finished what I could with the dentist here in Savannah because I was moving to L.A. He had done quite a bit of excellent work and I was very happy although follow-ups would be required that, unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to do in L.A. before we returned to Savannah a year later.

I am just so “blessed” (lol) to have a mouth that requires constant attention – oh well, I’ve had the same one for years

Anyhoo, after we returned to Savannah we bought a house that would have been perfectly fine but Bonnie (my wonderful Lady) has a designers’ mind, so, we took to re-modeling. Two years later, the beginning of this year, I had a chance to sit down for a moment (again, lol) and I had a toothache. Ah Ha! Time to re-visit the dentist…

After my very first visit, I discovered something that finally pushed me to do something I had been advised to do for years! Let me tell you about periodontal gum disease…

Three years ago there was absolutely nothing on the charts that would have indicated this existed in my mouth. Nothing! In January I had already developed advanced periodontal gum disease. My mouth had no intentions of fooling around, it went for the extreme right out of the box.

Once you’re told that the bacteria that is associated with periodontal gum disease is the same bacteria that causes heart disease – well – let me tell you, you pay attention! (Especially if you’re my age – don’t you dare hehehe).

And now I not only floss twice a day but I use little brushes (very small, cone-shaped) dipped in a non-alcoholic mouth wash and actually “tiny” brush the same as I floss.

Lesson learned – finally.

According to the American Heart Association, people with the following heart conditions must take special precautions with their dental health:

• prosthetic heart valves
• a previous history of endocarditis
• congenital and acquired heart defects

Thanks for the reminder, Mark. Off I go to do some flossing!

Post from: Blisstree

Hearty Habits #13: Your Teeth and Your Heart