HJAR May/Jun 2020

52 MAY / JUN 2020 I  HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF ARKANSAS ORAL HEALTH DIALOGUE COLUMN ORAL HEALTH DIABETES MELLITUS is a systemic meta- bolic disorder in which the body has high levels of glucose for prolonged periods of time. There are several heterogeneous types, including type 1, in which the pancreas pro- duces little to no insulin, and type 2, in which the pancreas doesn’t produce enough, or is inefficient in the production of insulin 3 . Other types are induced by pregnancy (gestational), surgery, illnesses, use of certain medications, or other specific causes. Periodontal disease is an infection of the gums and supporting structures of teeth. The etiology entails a complex process in which bacteria produce toxins in the form of acid, and if untreated, these toxins damage soft tissue and destroy bone. In uncontrolled or “active”periodontal disease, a bacteremia can It is well established that you cannot have good overall health without good oral health 1 . For patients with diabetes, this relationship is even more complicated. Diabetes is a disease which is closely associated with oral health 2 . If the oral status is periodontal disease, this condition has even larger implications with diabetes. Diabetes and Oral Health Association: A Bi-directional Link