The first indication can be a pesky mouth sore that will not go
away, or an unusual oral dryness. Diabetes, which frequently shows signs in a
person's mouth, is something that your dentist wants you to be aware of. The
Nova Scotia Dental Association is making efforts to educate the public that
diabetes can be diagnosed and treated early and that changes in oral health
should be brought to the attention of your family dentist.
"Certain symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes show up in the mouth,"
said Dr. Paul Downing, president of the Nova Scotia Dental Association.
"Anything that's out of the ordinary can be a cause for concern." Xerostomia, or
'dry mouth' as it is often called, is an early diabetes symptom. People with
diabetes are also more likely to contract gum disease and often have recurring
mouth sores. "Early diagnosis and good diabetes control are key to preventing or
delaying the onset of diabetes complications," said Sandra Backman, Executive
Director, Atlantic area Canadian Diabetes Association.
To help educate patients about the warning signs of diabetes, the
Nova Scotia Dental Association and the Canadian Diabetes Association (Nova
Scotia region) have teamed up to produce a poster and to distribute pamphlets
for dental offices. And for those Nova Scotians who've been diagnosed with
diabetes, the dental association and the Dalhousie University Faculty of
Dentistry are organizing a Diabetes Oral Consultation Clinic where people with
diabetes can book an appointment to discuss the oral implications of the disease
with a dentist.
Some of the oral effects of diabetes can go unnoticed by the
patient, thereby making routine examinations by a dentist important for early
detection. Dentists need to be made more aware of the signs and symptoms of
diabetes. Undiagnosed patients are probably seeing their dentist more often
then their doctor.
Source: Diabetes In Control Dot Com.
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