Even though tooth loss has been steadily decreasing over the past four decades, researchers from the Duke University have found that there are still two higher-risk groups among the population of the United States: diabetics and African-Americans.
American Dental Association spokesman, Dr. Edmond Hewlett, stated that there was indeed a clear connection between people with diabetes and an increased rate of tooth loss. Not only that, but the African-American population was in even greater danger. And even though the increased risk of tooth loss when suffering from diabetes was speculated upon, now it has been confirmed.
The study from the Duke University also claims that half the population of the United Stated is suffering from tooth and gum problems, and that the prevalence is even greater for the population suffering from diabetes.
Researchers used a sample of 37,000 patients from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey taken between 1971 and 2012, and after analyzing it came to the conclusion that even though tooth loss has significantly declined over the years, the prevalence in diabetics is of increasingly high concern, and even more so among African Americans suffering from the disease.
Using additional data, the researchers were also able to determine that between 1999 and 2000, people suffering from diabetes were 34% less likely to have 21 teeth or more than those that did not suffer from the disease.
The research into diabetes and other diabetes-caused symptoms is blooming, however the disease is constantly on the rise. With over 1.5 million new cases reported in the past 5 years, it seems like Americans are not taking the threat very seriously.
A different study last week showed that only around half of the United States citizens suffering from diabetes are taking their medication, and American Dental Association spokesman Dr. Edmond Hewlett claims that diabetic Americans don't really come in to get their teeth looked at as often as they should.
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