What 26 million Americans should know about diabetes and oral health

(ARA) – People living with diabetes need to take care of and monitor their health very closely. While monitoring their blood glucose is usually top of mind, the 26 million Americans living with diabetes may be surprised to learn that 95 percent have a form of gum disease. This is compared to only 50 percent of the general population. Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that people with diabetes are twice as likely to develop serious gum disease as people without diabetes.

“People living with diabetes are at an increased risk for developing periodontal disease because they are generally more susceptible to bacterial infection, and have a decreased ability to fight bacteria that invade the gums,” says Dr. Maria Emanuel Ryan, professor of oral biology and pathology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, N.Y.

A big misconception is that patients always experience pain if they have gum disease; this is not the case and it is especially important for diabetes patients to know and watch for the following signs and symptoms:

* Bleeding gums when you brush or floss.

* Red, swollen, puffy or sore gums.

* Gums that have pulled away from your teeth.

* Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite.

* Pus that appears between your teeth and gums.

* Constant bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth.

In light of these complications, Colgate Total has aligned with the American Diabetes Association this November in support of American Diabetes Month to help educate and increase awareness of the critical link between oral health and diabetes. Colgate is donating $100,000 to the American Diabetes Association to Stop Diabetes to help end the devastating toll that diabetes takes on the lives of millions of Americans. Visit stopdiabetes.com to become part of the movement and learn more about how you can share, act, learn and give in raising awareness about diabetes.

Larry Hausner, MBA, CEO, American Diabetes Association says: “Too often people don’t realize all of the effects of living with diabetes. It’s this type of awareness that helps more people to be educated patients, learn something new and take immediate action.”

People living with diabetes and those who may be at risk should take an active role in their condition management to combat the risk of gum disease and other health problems by flossing, visiting the dentist regularly and brushing twice daily with antibacterial toothpaste specifically formulated for gum health, like Colgate Total. It is the only FDA-approved toothpaste to prevent gingivitis and the No. 1 recommended most by dentists for gum care. Colgate Total(R) toothpaste reduces 90 percent of plaque germs that cause gingivitis, the most common form of gum disease, for 12 hours.

If you do suffer from diabetes and have any of the signs and symptoms of gum disease, it’s important you visit your dentist to determine if there is any oral care procedures you can follow to give you better oral health.