Diabetes risks to your patients
Close to 3.7 million people in the UK have been diagnosed with diabetes, with around another million thought to be undiagnosed, and still more in the process of developing Type 2 diabetes. As you are no doubt aware, diabetes mellitus is associated with oral health problems and can potentially cause complications during orthodontic treatment. Between the overall rise in the numbers of individuals with diabetes and increasing numbers of older patients seeking orthodontic treatment, you are more likely than ever to encounter patients with the condition.
The hallmarks of uncontrolled diabetes include (but are not limited to): dry mouth and burning sensation, brittle teeth, dental caries, oral thrush, an acetone smell, ulcers, increased susceptibility to infections and delayed healing. Some diabetics will not exhibit any of these symptoms of course, but they must still be made aware of the importance of an immaculate oral hygiene routine to prevent any problems. Data confirms that diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis in fact, susceptibility to periodontitis is increased by approximately threefold in people with diabetes.