It is estimated that up to 20 million people have diabetes, but only two-thirds of these individuals are diagnosed. Studies have shown that diabetics are more susceptible to the development of oral infections and periodontal (gum) disease than those who do not have diabetes. Oral infections tend to be more severe in diabetic patients than non-diabetic patients. And, diabetics who do not have good control over their blood sugar levels tend to have more oral health problems.

It's a myth that calcium is lost from a mother's teeth and "one tooth is lost with every pregnancy." But you may experience some changes in your oral health during pregnancy. The primary changes are due to a surge in hormones ? particularly an increase in estrogen and progesterone ?- can exaggerate the way gum tissues react to plaque. See similar questions...

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of early death among people with diabetes. Adults with diabetes are two to four times more likely than people without diabetes to have heart disease or experience a stroke. At least 65% of people with diabetes die from heart disease or stroke. About 70% of people with diabetes also have high blood pressure. Heart and Blood Vessel Problems from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) publication, Take Charge of Your Diabetes. See similar questions...

Most people are now aware that smoking is bad for our health. It can cause many different medical problems and, in some cases, fatal diseases. However, many people don’t realise the damage that smoking does to their mouth, gums and teeth. See similar questions...

Dental calculus is a common problem in most domestic cats and dogs resulting from mineralization of dental plaque; plaque being composed primarily of food particles and bacteria. Studies have reported the existence of dental calculus in 86% of cats between the ages of 1-4 years and all cats 5 years of age and older. A number of options are available to the pet owner to control and maintain the long term oral health of their pets. See similar questions...

Being overweight or obese is a leading risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Being overweight can keep your body from making and using insulin properly, and can also cause high blood pressure. See similar questions...

Diabetes can indeed affect pregnancy. It can affect the baby's development. They may end up heavier than normal and the risk of premature birth is higher. Some women may acquire what is known as Gestational Diabetes during pregnancy, which is controllable with insulin injections, which goes away after birth. See similar questions...

Diabetes, a disease that prevents your body from making or using insulin to break down sugar in your bloodstream, can cause changes in nearsightedness, farsightedness, and premature presbyopia. In fact, the early signs of diabetes are often detected during eye examinations. Diabetes can lead to cataracts, glaucoma, and decreased eye-muscle coordination and cornea sensitivity. See similar questions...

Yes, studies have shown that a mother's oral health can directly affect the health of her unborn baby. According to the US Journal of Periodontology, a pregnant woman with periodontal disease is seven times more likely to have a baby that is pre-term (born too early) or has a low birth weight. See similar questions...

Only, "see your professional oral health care provider." Because each problem is different, each needs to be addressed in person on an individual basis. See similar questions...

Few options for some kinds of dental care (smokers can be poor candidates for particular treatments such as implants) See similar questions...

Gum disease is a serious dental problem. Gum disease has also been linked to heart disease and strokes. Learn how you can prevent gum disease and protect your overall health. See similar questions...

It is well known that the body fluids of healthy people tend to be more alkaline (high pH) and the body fluids of sick or diseased people are acidic ( low pH). Healthy blood, spinal fluid and saliva are normally at a pH of 7.4. This alkaline state is necessary for cell growth, cell function and cell repair. It has been proven that cancer cannot grow in an alkaline solution because an alkaline solution will hold oxygen at a high level (Cause and Prevention of Cancer, Biochem Zeits, 152: 514-520). See similar questions...

Being sick by itself can raise your blood glucose. Moreover, illness can prevent you from eating properly, which further affects blood glucose. In addition, diabetes can make the immune system more vulnerable to severe cases of the flu. People with diabetes who come down with the flu may become very sick and may even have to go to a hospital. You can help keep yourself from getting the flu by getting a flu shot every year. Everyone with diabetes-even pregnant women-should get a yearly flu shot. See similar questions...

Diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body's glucose (sugar) levels are abnormally high. Diabetes occurs when your pancreas stops making enough insulin, which is necessary for the proper metabolism of digested foods. Diabetes doesn't interfere with digestion, but it does prevent the body from using an important product of digestion: glucose for energy. When we eat, foods containing proteins, fats, and carbohydrates are broken down into simpler, easily absorbed chemicals. See similar questions...

Diabetes and its complications can affect many parts of the eye. Diabetes can cause changes in nearsightedness, farsightedness and premature presbyopia (the inability to focus on close objects). It can result in cataracts, glaucoma, a lack of eye muscle coordination (strabismus) and in decreased corneal sensitivity. Visual symptoms of diabetes include fluctuating or blurring of vision, occasional double vision, loss of visual field and flashes and floaters within the eyes. See similar questions...