(Nov. 10, 2008) NASHVILLE, Tenn. — November is National Diabetes Month and Delta Dental of Tennessee is reminding people that good oral health leads to good overall health, particularly for people who have diabetes or pre-diabetes.

More than 23 million Americans have been diagnosed with diabetes and at least 57 million adults in the United States are at risk for developing diabetes, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

“Studies have shown that people with diabetes who have their teeth cleaned professionally four times a year can better manage their blood glucose levels. That’s why our standard plans now cover additional cleanings for our members with diabetes,” said Dr. Jed Jacobson, D.D.S., M.S., M.P.H., chief science officer for Delta Dental of Tennessee. “Too often, people seem to forget that the mouth is connected to the rest of the body. Diabetes is a great example of how oral health and overall health are connected.”

Because dentists may be able to detect more than 120 diseases – including diabetes, cancer and heart disease – Jacobson said there are many reasons to see your dentist regularly even if you believe you have strong, healthy teeth.
 
“Dental professionals can use today’s dental exams to screen for oral cancers and other health issues by spotting symptoms that could indicate serious health problems elsewhere in the body,” Jacobson said. “Preventive checkups also provide dentists with opportunities to identify and intervene early in dental diseases, reducing pain and the financial costs associated with them.”