Does it really matter? Dr. Kim Lucas Benton, DDS Assistant Professor of Clinical Oral Health University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Why Now? 90% of Americans have no idea that they either have diabetes or that they are pre-diabetic (cdc.org)
Oral health is essential to the general health and well-being of all Americans and can be achieved by all Americans. However, not all Americans are achieving the same degree of oral health. Dr David Satcher, MD (Former Surgeon General)
Diabetes and Oral Health Problems Research shows that people with diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease (gum disease). There is a two-way connection between diabetes and periodontal disease. Due to chronic inflammation with periodontal disease, it may be difficult to control one s blood sugar. (drc.bmj.com)
Signs and Symptoms of Periodontal Disease(gum disease) Puffy, swollen red gums Bleeding upon brushing and/or flossing Chronic Bad Breath Gums pulling away from teeth (perio.org)
Gum Disease Risk Factors Poor plaque control Age Smoking/Tobacco Use Medication Stress Genetics Other Systemic Diseases that interfere with the body s inflammatory response such as Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke (perio.org)
Facts About Diabetes Type 1 - Affects about 5% of the population. The body does not produce insulin. Type 2 This is the most common form. May be controlled with oral medication and lifestyle changes. Gestational Diabetes Happens around the 24 th week in pregnancy.
Symptoms of Diabetes Excessive Thirst Excessive Hunger Frequent Urination Numbness and Tingling (Type 2) Weight Loss although you are eating more (Type 1) Extreme Tiredness Blurry Vision (diabetes.org)
Type2 diabetes screening in a dental setting? 2014 study by Dr. Robert Genco and Dr Courtney Kloberanz involving more than 1000 patients led to the diagnosis of 12.3% diabetics and 23.3% prediabetics. Many patients visit a dental provider on a yearly or more frequent basis, at which time this screening can occur. (jada.org)
Are You At Risk For Type 2 Diabetes? Take the Test: http://www.diabetes.org/are-you-atrisk/diabetes-risk-test/
NEXT STEPS Contact your Primary Care physician to have your HbA1c levels evaluated. HbA1c measures the amount of glucose in your blood for the past 2-3 months. Normal is less than 5.7% Pre-Diabetes is between 5.7%- 6.4% Diabetes is higher than 6.5%
For Pre-Diabetics Consider monitoring your blood glucose several times a week Technological Advances allows us to use Smart devices Make the appropriate Lifestyle changes, you are in com https://youtu.be/ymjdo8qqvnc
Begin Periodontal (gum) Treatment Make an appointment with your dental care professional immediately. Have a complete periodontal evaluation including gum pocket measurements.
Establish Interprofessional Connections It s important to involve the entire health care team in a treatment plan that is patient centered.
Referral Sources for Adult Clinics Castro-Mission Health Center Chinatown Public Health Center Curry Senior Center Family Health Center Maxine Hall Health Center Ocean Park Health Center Positive Health Program Potrero Hill Health Center Richard H. Fine People s Clinic Silver Avenue Family Health Center Southeast Health Center Tom Waddell Urban Health Center San Francisco County
Partnering with the National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP) Working in Communities-Diabetes affects culturally diverse communities in unique ways Resources for African Americans and people of African Ancestry Resources for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders Resources for American Indians and Alaska Native Resources for Hispanic and Latino Americans Resources for People in rural communities https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/ndep/communities/index.html
Ways to prevent Type 2 Diabetes Tools from National Diabetes Education Program
Key Take Aways Recognize the connection between Diabetes and Oral Health, especially gum disease Take the test to see if you are at risk for Type2 diabetes. http://www.diabetes.org/are-youat-risk/diabetes-risk-test/ Share the information by asking a friend, colleague or family member to join you and take the test Make the appropriate changes to improve your oral health and enhance your overall health.
Thank You