Dubai, UAE- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes. Over the years, researchers in the field of pediatric dentistry have identified the influence of diabetes on oral health, recognizing specific oral problems related to diabetes. As a result, pediatric dentists in Dubai and across the world are doing their best to bring awareness among the masses and provide the best care to young patients with diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when a person’s pancreas fails to produce enough insulin (a hormone that regulates blood glucose) or when the body is unable to effectively utilize the insulin produced. As a result, the patient experiences raised blood glucose levels. Researchers have found out that there are two types of diabetes-

- Type 1 diabetes or juvenile diabetes is characterized by insulin deficiency due to reduced production. Type 1 diabetes can appear at any age and can peak at the ages of 4 to 7 and 10 to 14 years of age. As of 2017, WHO notes that there are 9 million people with Type 1 diabetes. The condition can only be managed by daily administration of insulin.
- Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body is unable to utilize the insulin it produces effectively. It’s noted that 95% of people with diabetes are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Multiple studies have been conducted on the status of young patients with diabetes and their dental health, “As children with controlled diabetes are usually on a low sugar diet to maintain their blood glucose levels. It’s interesting to note many of these young patients are less prone to developing dental caries than their peers without diabetes,” says Dr. Yasmin Kottait, one of the best kid’s dentists in Dubai. “Even so, if the child’s diabetes is not managed effectively, it can lead to increased incidence of decay and other dental problems.”

Studies show that, in contrast to the decreased instances of dental caries among children with diabetes, they are at a higher risk of developing gum diseases. One of the possible reasons for this is the higher level of glucose in their saliva, especially in children who don't follow proper sugar management. Some of the oral symptoms seen in young patients with diabetes include-

- Dry mouth due to reduced production of saliva
- Early eruption of teeth
- Inflamed gums that bleed sometimes
- Frequent oral infections
- Longer healing time for oral wounds
- Receding gum line

“In Dubai, we rarely see children who have undiagnosed diabetes,” continues Dr. Yasmin. “When children with diabetes show oral symptoms such as inflamed gums and infections, we recommend better management of their condition along with treatments for their symptoms.”

For children with diabetes, the best way to reduce the occurrence of gum diseases/infections or other potential health issues is through the proper management of their condition. Parents must proactively partake in this process by regularly monitoring their blood glucose levels, ensuring a regular intake of insulin, and encouraging their children to make healthier life choices. This will improve their overall health and well-being in the long run.

For more information on gum conditions and diabetes management, book your appointment with Dubai’s best dentist for kids Dr. Yasmin Kottait.

About Dr. Yasmin: Dr. Yasmin Kottait is an award winning-specialist and one of the best kids dentists in Dubai. With more than 16 years of experience in pediatric dentistry, she is a real-life “tooth fairy” who is dedicated to spreading smiles and healthy oral habits in children. As a renowned name and face in the field of pediatric dentistry, Dr. Yasmin is also one of the few Autism friendly dentists in the region, with a diploma in Cognitive Based Hypnotherapy and IBCCES Autism certification.