Diabetes is a serious health condition that plagues the lives of many. Just in the United States alone, over 37 million people have diabetes, and 1 out of every 5 of them don’t realize they have it according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Not only does diabetes play a significant role in overall health, it also impacts oral health tremendously.
A new study conducted by researchers at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine has contributed a greater potential understanding of why individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are at greater risk of developing tooth decay. Previous research has consistently found that individuals with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes are more at risk of suffering from numerous oral health problems like dental cavities. Mohammad Ali Saghiri, an assistant professor of restorative dentistry at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, stated, “We’ve long seen elevated rates of cavity formation and tooth loss in patients with diabetes, and we’ve long known that treatments such as fillings do not last as long in such patients, but we did not know exactly why.”
In this study, the researchers compared tooth enamel hardness of 35 mice induced with Type 1 diabetes to 35 healthy control mice. They found that after 28 weeks, the enamel gradually grew significantly softer in the type 1 diabetic mice after 12 weeks. In addition, by week 28, the strength of dentin was also notably different between the diabetic mice and controls. Their study suggests that individuals with diabetes may have less durable dental enamel and dentin, the substances that make up your teeth.
If you have diabetes, it is crucial to manage your diabetes and your oral health. Regular dental visits are important and your dental professionals can help you fight both diabetes and oral diseases!
This pandemic has impacted us all, but our community is indeed all stronger together. Our team at WDG always has your safety and health as our top priority, and we have implemented additional safety measures and equipment to help prevent the transmission of all infections, including COVID-19. Wellesley Dental Group has completely reopened since June 8th, 2020 for all dental procedures and cleanings! Thank you for entrusting your health and dental care to us at Wellesley Dental Group.
Feel free to contact Drs. Ali & Ali and the caring team at Wellesley Dental Group if you have any thoughts or concerns; they will be happy to answer your questions! Contact us today at 781-237-9071 or smile@wellesleydentalgroup.com to set up an appointment.
Your little ones and teens are welcome to visit our pediatric dentist, Dr. Bahar Houshman and Dr. Marisa Reason is happy to help with your TMJ and orthodontic needs. For wisdom teeth extractions or any other oral surgery needs, Dr. Reisman would love to help, and our gum-specialist Dr. Singh can help with your gum-related concerns.
References:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/05/220531161127.htm