Tooth Loss in People with Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes affects about nine percent of the American population, about ten percent of pregnant women are affected by gestational diabetes, and another one percent of Americans suffer from type 1 diabetes. This systemic condition is characterized by high blood glucose levels and poor immune response, both of which can affect dental health and increase the risk of tooth loss.

A recent study at the University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine found that there was a strong link between diabetes and tooth loss. Researchers examined data from the 2003 and 2004 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Information from more than 2,500 participants over the age of fifty was examined. Of these participants, twenty-eight percent of those with diabetes had lost all their teeth, while only fourteen percent of those without diabetes had lost their teeth. Causes included periodontitis, cavities, and tooth decay, while contributing factors included smoking, inadequate access to dental care, and lower incomes.

Diabetes does not always have to result in tooth loss, but those with diabetes might need to take extra steps to care for their teeth. Let us know if you have been diagnosed with diabetes so that we can take all necessary precautions and tailor our recommendations for your needs. You might need more frequent professional cleanings, saliva replacement products to combat dry mouth, or other preventive treatments to protect your smile. If a tooth is lost, dental crowns and bridges can replace it and close the gap in your smile to preserve your confidence and your bite strength. Call us today to learn more or to schedule an appointment with our team.