Links Between gum Disease and Diabetes a Critical Issue for Heavily Hispanic San Antonio, Cosmetic Dentist Warns

San Antonio, TX (PRWEB) November 16, 2011

There is a potentially deadly link between oral health and diabetes, veteran San Antonio cosmetic dentist Dr. Edward J. Camacho warns, as the country observes Novembers National Diabetes Month. Its an especially crucial issue for the Alamo City, whose nearly two-thirds majority Hispanic population is almost twice as likely to develop diabetes as the overall U.S. population

An estimated 26 million Americans about 8.3% of the population have diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. And nearly 80 million Americans more than a quarter of the nations residents, are estimated to have pre-diabetes a condition that could tip over into clinical diabetes in a number of ways.

Those who already have diabetes have special dental risks; gum disease and diabetes have a dangerous symbiotic relation. Gum disease is a risk factor that could push a person with pre-diabetes into full-blown diabetes. Gum disease also dramatically increases other life-threatening conditions, including heart disease.

Dr. Camacho said gum disease and diabetes are related in a number of ways: