People with diabetes risk mouth problems

Western Sydney Diabetes and Blacktown and Mount Druitt hospitals’ senior staff specialist Professor Glen Maberly is encouraging health professionals who work with patients or people who have diabetes to attend a free event which will explore the links between diabetes, general oral health and gum disease.

“Western Sydney is a diabetes “hotspot” with rates well above the state average and diabetes remains one of the most significant health challenges for the region,” Glen said.

“People with diabetes are more at risk of having teeth and gum problems.  Oral health is often neglected amongst people with diabetes.

“The first signs and symptoms of diabetes can occur in the mouth, so the earlier the diagnosis and treatment the better.

“Some of the most common oral health problems which affect diabetics include gum disease, or abscesses, tooth decay, fungal infections, skin conditions, mouth ulcers,  bad taste in the mouth or a burning mouth.”

Professor Maberly will chair some of the discussions and be joined by national oral health experts and endocrinologists.

Event details: A symposium on diabetes and oral health

Date: 22 February

Time: 5.30pm – 8pm

Venue: WSU Auditorium, Blacktown Hospital Campus

For enquiries: Janine Dawson Janine.dawson@health.nsw.gov.au

RSVP: Jonathan Otero Jonathan.Otero@health.nsw.gov.au