11/17/2025
It’s World Diabetes Day today.
From a dental perspective:
We know diabetes and periodontal disease are heavily connected. Often as dentists we are able to pick up the earliest signs of type two diabetes. We send many patients who have a dramatic change in their periodontal status to be checked for diabetes every year.
We also know that treating periodontal disease helps manage diabetes. We recommend those with type two diabetes to be monitored more closely and see the hygienist every 3-4 months. Thank you to all my wonderful hygienists who ensure our patients not only get great oral care, but are helping our patients maintain good overall health.
We cannot forget about type one diabetes as well. Type one diabetes is often misunderstood by many. Type one diabetes is an autoimmune disease and is not caused by eating too much sugar. If a type one diabetic has low blood sugar they can require sugar such as juice or candy to prevent possible severe hypoglycemia. Not ideal for your teeth, but can be life saving.
