Tribune News Network
Doha
Over 90 percent of diabetic patients experience oral health complications like gum disease, dry mouth and tooth decay, which impair quality of life and complicate blood sugar management, Dr Najat Al-Yafei, manager of Oral Health Promotion & Prevention at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC), said citing global studies.
At the Diabetes Conference on Comorbidities and Complications, held on November 8 and 9, 2024, to coincide with World Diabetes Day under the theme ‘Diabetes and Quality of Life, Dr Al-Yafei delivered a valuable presentation on the overlooked link between diabetes and oral health.
In Qatar, recent studies reveal that 86 percent of diabetic females suffer from periodontitis, while 39 percent of diabetic patients face this condition, with 66.6 percent experiencing gingivitis and 74 percent struggling with poor dental hygiene.
She posed a thought-provoking question to attending physicians: “How often do you consider oral health as a vital factor in diabetes management?”
Explaining the bidirectional relationship between oral health and diabetes, Dr Al-Yafei described it as a cycle in which oral health issues elevate blood sugar levels, while uncontrolled diabetes worsens oral health problems. For instance, high blood sugar encourages bacterial growth, contributing to gum disease, which in turn raises insulin resistance and complicates diabetes management. Thus, regular oral health check-ups play a crucial role in improving diabetic patients’ health outcomes.
Dr Al-Yafei urged interdisciplinary collaboration, encouraging endocrinologists and physicians to refer diabetic patients to dental specialists for ongoing care, including cleanings and periodontal check-ups. She emphasized that diabetic patients should prioritize daily oral hygiene and use appropriate tools suited to their needs.
She also discussed advancements like salivary diagnostics and laser therapy. Salivary tests detect biomarkers, such as glucose and inflammatory markers (IL-6 and TNF-alpha), which are elevated in both diabetic and gum disease patients, aiding in early detection of disease progression. Laser therapy offers a non-invasive option to reduce oral infections, improving patient comfort.
In closing, Dr Al-Yafei stressed the importance of referring diabetic patients to dental care and vice versa to create a holistic approach to diabetes management, ultimately supporting better long-term outcomes.
