MEDIA RELEASE
Monday 8 November 2010
United Nations World Diabetes Day – Sunday 14 November
People with diabetes three times as likely to have dental disease
Research has shown that people with poorly-controlled diabetes are up to three
times more likely to develop severe cases of the dental disease periodontitis - a gum
disease that affects the tissues and bone that hold the teeth in place.
Principal Oral Health Advisor at The Royal Dental Hospital of Melbourne, Professor
Mike Morgan, is using World Diabetes Day to raise awareness of the link between
diabetes and dental disease.
“It is now widely accepted that periodontal disease is the sixth complication of
diabetes after complications such as kidney, eye and circulation problems¹,” says
Professor Morgan.
Despite the increased risk of developing dental disease, Professor Morgan says that
people with diabetes can prevent the onset of gum disease by controlling the levels
of bacteria in their mouths.
“Increased blood sugar levels make people with diabetes susceptible to the growth
of oral bacteria. A healthy diet and thorough oral hygiene will help to prevent
bacteria lodging in the gum tissue and developing into periodontitis,” says Professor
Morgan.
How to prevent periodontitis:
Brush teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and a soft brush.
Take care to remove all plaque on and between your teeth and next to the gum
line.
Floss regularly
Have your gum health checked and teeth cleaned by an oral health professional
Let your oral health professional know if you have diabetes
Tell your oral health professional the names of any medications you are taking
If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar level will reduce your risk of
dental disease. People with high blood sugar levels are more likely to develop
severe gum problems.
Signs of periodonitis:
Bleeding or swelling of the gums
Loose teeth
Gum recession
Sensitivity to hot and cold
1
Cullinan MP, Ford PJ, Seymour GJ. Periodontal disease and systemic health: current status. Australian
Dental Journal 2009; 54:(1 Suppl): S62–S69
Media enquiries:
Professor Mike Morgan
Principal Oral Health Advisor, Dental Health Services Victoria
Colgate Chair of Population Oral Health, The University of Melbourne
Tel: 03 9341 1156 Mob:0414 872 392
Kerryn Garner
Media Adviser, Dental Health Services Victoria
Tel: 03 9341 1134 Mob: 0449 508 393
Notes:
World Diabetes Day is an official United Nations World Health Day established by the
International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization. It is marked
each year on the 14 November.
Dental Health Services Victoria delivers clinical dental services through The Royal
Dental Hospital of Melbourne and purchases dental services on behalf of the State
Government from more than 50 community health agencies throughout Victoria.
NEWS 
