The American Dental Association (ADA) states that diabetics with difficulties controlling blood sugar levels develop periodontal (gum) disease more often and more severely, and they lose more teeth, than non-diabetics or diabetics with good control of blood sugar levels. Diabetics' poorer-than-normal healing response and compromised immune systems, gum disease, infections, and the destruction of bone anchoring teeth in place combine to put diabetics at greater risk for tooth loss, often at early age. Even diabetics with good oral hygiene who brush, floss, use mouthwash and have regular, ordinary cleanings at the dentist's office are still at high risk of gum disease, bone loss and tooth loss.
By the way, some people take a casual attitude toward tooth loss - chalking it up to age or an inevitable affect of diabetes and "not that big of a deal". This is DEAD wrong! There are many reasons your dentist can explain for doing everything in your power to keep your natural teeth as long as you can. Your health and number of years you live may depend on it.
Clinical experience tells us that our patients who keep their teeth or get restored to function live longer and have a better quality of life. According to the Center For Disease Control, over half of the population that is age 60, will live to be in their 90's or older. You need your teeth longer!
