A very brief survey... your help would be much appreciated

[Cleo]

Hadn't heard of this either - I'm pregnant and was recently at the dentist , she discussed gum disease but in the context of pregnancy.
Is the link between diabetes and gum disease or poorly controlled blood sugars and gum disease ?

 

[Caroline]

don't think the dentists round here get the connection between diabetes and other health issues

 

[Lynn Davies]

I have not seen my dentist since diagnosis but have an appointment later this month - I will discuss it with him.

 

[trophywench]

I believe it's a bit like cataracts and frozen shoulders - diabetes doesn't cause them per se, just makes us all more susceptible to them all. If you couple any of those with too high BG - it exacerbates the condition.

 

[Diabeticliberty]

My teeth and gums are fine and all of my dental health checks usually have the same conclusion. £28.00 to pay for approximately 6 minutes of investigation. I long ago reached the conclusion that I really am in the wrong line of work 🙄

 

[Lauren]

There's a link between Diabetes and gum disease?!! 😱

 

[Amberzak]

I have really bad teeth that are soft as anything and literally falling apart, despite me cleaning them. I was told I have a lack of enamel and the weakness was probably due to my coeliacs disease. I know I've had to eat a lot of sugar to treat hypos.

 

[FSC]

Hadn't heard of this either - I'm pregnant and was recently at the dentist , she discussed gum disease but in the context of pregnancy.
Is the link between diabetes and gum disease or poorly controlled blood sugars and gum disease ?

There is a greater susceptibility for gum disease if you have diabetes so it is just something to be aware of.

 

[FSC]

Thank you all for your responses so far - it is really interesting to hear about your experiences.

 

[Martin Canty]

It is an ongoing battle between my Dentist & Optometrist as to who is most important in my Diabetes health care... Apparently the Doctor just writes prescriptions.....

 

[Elaine B-S]

I’ve just been told by the doctor that diabetes doesn’t affect the gums. Mind you, he also said that my blurred vision at diagnosis had nothing to do with diabetes also - this was when my BSL was 33! Can you asked to be referred to a diabetic specialist/consultant (or whatever they’re called) so I can get proper advice and support?

 

[grovesy]

I’ve just been told by the doctor that diabetes doesn’t affect the gums. Mind you, he also said that my blurred vision at diagnosis had nothing to do with diabetes also - this was when my BSL was 33! Can you asked to be referred to a diabetic specialist/consultant (or whatever they’re called) so I can get proper advice and support?

You can ask but in most areas only the more complicated Type 2 get consultant care. Some members have been referred only to sent back to GP for care.

 

[TheClockworkDodo]

It is certainly worth asking though, because even if you can't get a referral to a consultant you might get to see a diabetes specialist nurse, who would be more knowledgeable than your GP and would be able to give you some advice and support.

 

[PhoebeC]

Please don't worry! Thorough cleaning - regular dental visits, just as everyone should..

I've done all of these things all of my life, last year I had 3 out and 8 filings I am only 29.

I have heard of this issue but only through the forum, not a medical professional!

Also like Northerner I was at the dentist 4 days before my GP diagnosed me with Diabetes, my GP said the dentist should have known from the state of my mouth at the time.

 

[Eddy Edson]

Dentists ... I've never had a filling; my wisdom teeth slinked into position like finely engineered pistons in a precision machine tool; I have a perfect bite. My teeth are the one part of my anatomy which is beyond reproach, or even adequate.

The one issue I've had a couple of years ago was an infected molar which required three different dentists to resolve; the last one managed to discern it was cracked and needed to be yanked. God knows how the others missed it.

They only seemed to be interested in locking me into endless scale&clean visits like they were selling gym contracts or something & failing to do anything of value. I got the impression of a desperate profession in decline; people just don't get many cavities these days.

I'm certain now I had raging T2D by that time. I complained to each of them about dry mouth & a metallic taste. None of them had any ideas apart from more cleaning, scaling, appointments. If they had been of any use in the diabetes-care mix they should have picked up on it.

 

[AJLang]

I have had diabetes for nearly 48 years. Although I’ve had a lot of dental problems my gums have always been fine.