Dental Care

Diabetes is an important risk factor for dental complications, such as periodontal disease and tooth loss.⁵⁹ Women and men with diagnosed diabetes are less likely than those without diabetes to have seen a dentist within the preceding 12 months.⁶⁰ The American Academy of Periodontology recommends regular dental visits at least once annually for prevention, early detection, and treatment.⁶¹

Women who reported a dental visit in the past year, by diagnosed diabetes status and gender, 2004

*Estimate for men ages 18-44 did not meet sample size criteria.

Source: Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, 2004.

Appendix table number: Tables 26a and 26b.

• Women with diagnosed diabetes were significantly less likely than women without diabetes to have had a dental visit in the past year.
• No significant difference was found between women and men with diagnosed diabetes who reported having had a dental visit in the past year, either overall or for adults ages 18-44 or age 65 and over. However, among adults ages 45-64, those with diabetes were significantly less likely than those without diabetes to report a dental visit in the past year (data not shown).

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