According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), an estimated 38.4 million Americans have diabetes. Whether you have Type I or Type II diabetes, the outward result is the same – your body lacks the ability to produce and/or regulate insulin, which often results in elevated blood sugar levels.
Since diabetics already have a reduced resistance to infection and tend to be slow healers, they are more prone to dental infections, which allows inflammation under the gumline caused by plaque and tartar to quickly progress into periodontal disease. Other contributing factors are elevated glucose levels (bacteria thrive on glucose in the saliva) and dry mouth caused by elevated glucose levels and/or medications (less saliva contributes to overgrowth of bacteria).
About that A1c…
A1c tests are not only used to diagnose diabetes, but are used to aid in the management of it as well. If you are planning to have a surgical procedure, it is recommended that your A1c be at an acceptable level - typically under 7%.
Planning to have dental surgery, such as implants? Before you can be considered a suitable candidate for dental implants, your specialist will carefully evaluate your overall health, including the status of your diabetes. If it is poorly controlled, you may be asked wait to have surgery.
The Team Approach
Your dentist, specialist, primary care physician and, in some cases, endocrinologist - often will work together to evaluate the status of your overall health.
Questions? Reach out to us by phone at (781) 942-2020, by e-mail at info@drkhull.com, or by navigating to the Contact tab of our website.
Not a patient but would like to become one? Send us an Appointment Request!
Oral health = Overall health ❤