For last week’s practice question, we quizzed test takers on the link between oral health & hyperglycemia. 73% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!
Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer below: Answer Question
Question: Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of oral disease. Which of the following statements is true regarding people living with diabetes and hyperglycemia?
Answer Choices:
- Experience decreased salivary production.
- Benefit from vinegar gargles to decrease the bacterial load.
- At greater risk for oral cancers.
- More likely to experience tonsillitis.
As shown above, the most common choice was option 1, the second most common answer was option 4, then option 3, and finally 2.
Getting to the Best Answer
Answer 1 is correct. 73.61% chose this answer, “Experience decreased salivary production.” YES, GREAT JOB, this is the best answer. When a person is experiencing hyperglycemia, this leads to dehydration due to the chronic diuresis. When dehydrated, people with hyperglycemia produce less saliva and they saliva they do produce is laden with glucose. These 2 factors contribute to a higher risk of dental caries and can make mastication more difficult. There are products to increase salivary production, but the best treatment is to improve blood glucose levels.
Answer 2 is incorrect. 7.01% of you chose this answer, “Benefit from vinegar gargles to decrease the bacterial load.” Actually, gargling with vinegar can be harmful to your mouth if it is dry. Without the proper amount of saliva, the acid can break down enamel and decrease ability to fight off infection. There are products to increase salivary production, but the best treatment is to improve blood glucose levels.
Answer 3 is incorrect. 7.63% of respondents chose this answer, “At greater risk for oral cancers.” People with diabetes and chronic hyperglycemia have a higher risk for oral carries, gingivitis and periodontitis due to increased levels of sugar in the saliva that supports bacterial growth. However, do not have an increased risk of oral cancers.
Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 11.75% chose this answer, “More likely to experience tonsillitis.” People with diabetes and chronic hyperglycemia have a higher risk for oral carries, gingivitis and periodontitis due to increased levels of sugar in the saliva that supports bacterial growth. However, do not have an increased risk of tonsillitis.
More information from the American Dental Association.
We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale!
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