Even if a decrease in the rate of tooth loss has been seen in the past 40 years, a new study has shown that diabetes leads to gum diseases and premature tooth loss. The particular study that focused on the connection between these afflictions was conducted at the Duke University in North Carolina.
The result of this study has been achieved by comparing tooth loss trends as well as gum diseases documented in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey held between 1971 and 2012. This survey encompassed over 37.000 patients with different health disorders.
Out of this study group, those who suffered from diabetes were very vulnerable when faced with gum diseases that eventually lead to tooth loss. Even if in the past several decades, tooth loss has been a decreasing problem, African Americans who are suffering from diabetes have the highest susceptibility to tooth loss and other dental afflictions.
By studying the period of time between 1999 and 2000, researchers and doctors were able to discern that almost 34% of the people who had diabetes were less likely to have a full set of teeth. Because of this, diabetes patients, especially African American ones, are urged to see a dentist for a full examination in order to prevent tooth loss.
In accordance with the increased amounts of evidence that points out how oral health is linked with chronic diseases of any kind, ranging from respiratory or cardiovascular illnesses to cognitive decline, doctors have begun prying the subject even further. If a clear link is discovered between these elements, their prevention becomes more plausible.
Because with diabetes comes along a decrease in the strength of blood flow, more parts of the body start to decline, besides the gums. In the past couple of years, over 1.4 million Americans were forced to undergo leg amputations due to the poor blood flow that they possessed.
But these types of limb losses have been on the decline, with a decrease of 0.3 million patients requiring it when comparing the year of 2014 to 2009.
As more methods of preventing or even the complete elimination of insulin use through the administration of T-Reg cell infused blood, the likelihood of doctors coming up with new ways of stopping the effects of diabetes are higher than ever.
With the news that diabetes leads to gum diseases and premature tooth loss, doctors should begin urging their diabetes patients to visit their dentist on a regular basis. Even if this might prove to be a hassle, the sacrifice is worth it, if you want to still have some healthy chompers so that you can keep enjoying your food as you normally would.