SPRINGFIELD, Mo — Your next trip to the dentist could be the first indication of a major health concern like diabetes.
Lawmakers in Missouri are pushing for awareness on efforts like these, limiting illnesses that cost the state nearly $5 billion a year.
The American Dental Association doesn’t know the exact relationship between periodontal (gum) disease and diabetes or strokes, but they do know that you can learn a lot from someone’s smile.
“If we see those signs in people, that doesn’t mean I can diagnose the problem, but I can tell them that they should go see their medical doctor and get this checked out,” explained Dr. Jim Nail.
Whether it’s inflammation, dry mouth, or bad breath Dr Jim Nail isn’t blinded by your pearly whites.
Dentists are often flossing between cavities and more chronic diseases like Diabetes.
“It’s amazing how often people will come to their dentist every 6 months or a couple times a year but haven’t been to their regular doctor in a long time,” said Dr. Nail.
. He owns and operates out of Nail Dental in Springfield.
“Sometimes you think about correlations. That a person that will make healthy decisions for their teeth will also make healthy decisions for their life. That’s certainly true, but sometimes there are things that can skate under the radar.”
It’s estimated that nearly 750,000 people have been diagnosed with diabetes. A condition that continues threatening the expenses of healthcare in Missouri.
State Representative Patricia Pike plans to re-file legislation this upcoming session to make November, Missouri’s Diabetes Awareness Month.
“It’s a very costly measure here in the State that deserves our attention,” said State Rep. Pike.
It’s a bill that passed unanimously in the House, but died in the State Senate last year.
“I think it’s a topic that is certainly bi-partisan,.” she explained. “Every district in our state has citizens that affected by this and legislators recognize this as one of the largest health issues in Missouri.”
“Resources are already out there from wonderful agencies that we can tap into, but keeping the conversation going in November is important.”
According to the CDC, adult diagnosis of diabetes has tripled within the last 20 years due to an aging and overweight American population.