from ADA website – December 11, 2015
By Michelle Manchir
The relationship between oral health and diabetes is the highlight of an ongoing campaign launched in November by Colgate Total and the American Diabetes Association.
The monthlong campaign targeting consumers — dubbed “30 Days of Laughter” — features videos and social media posts meant to entertain but also to inform people with diabetes and others about the importance of healthy gums and teeth, according to a news release about the campaign, which runs Nov. 12 to Dec. 11.
“Not many people with diabetes know about the increased risks of developing gum disease or how oral health may can affect overall health,” said Dr. Foti Panagakos, global director of scientific affairs and research at Colgate-Palmolive in the news release. “30 Days of Laughter” will help bring awareness and prevention to this community with a bit of healthy laughter along the way.”
29.1 million people, or 9.3 percent of the U.S. population, have diabetes, according to 2012 numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Dentists can play a role in reversing this trend and are on the frontline of being able to refer for appropriate care, said Dr. Jane Grover, director for ADA Council on Access, Prevention and Interprofessional Relations.
The council will be focusing on the topic of oral health and diabetes at its January meeting. Furthermore, an ADA-developed continuing education course on the topic is expected to be available in early 2016.
Videos and social media messages relevant to the 30 Days of Laughter campaign are available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube by searching for the hashtag #30DaysofLOL.
Dentists can also direct patients to MouthHealthy.org for tips and information about oral health and diabetes. The ADA Catalog also offers relevant literature on this topic, including the brochure “Diabetes and Your Oral Health,” which includes information about oral health problems related to diabetes.
