Dental Care Ireland partners with national diabetes charity

Dental Care Ireland has launched a year-long partnership with Diabetes Ireland, the national diabetes charity.

Throughout the year, Dental Care Ireland staff across the country will work with Diabetes Ireland to develop a number of fundraising and awareness initiatives, including a dedicated oral health web section, oral health information talks, and a sponsored ‘brushathon’ to coincide with World Oral Health Day in March 2019.

The aim of the partnership is to raise funds towards Diabetes Ireland’s regional community support services, and increase awareness about the importance of oral health care for people with diabetes.

Dr Paul O’Dwyer, group clinical advisor of Dental Care Ireland, said: ‘People with diabetes can be more prone to oral health problems such as gum disease, dry mouth, poor healing and oral infections.

‘In most cases, mouth complications can be easily treated, but a thorough dental health routine is an essential part of learning to live with the condition.’

In Ireland, it is estimated that 250,000 people are living with diabetes, 50% of whom are unaware of their condition. Diabetes is a lifelong condition and if untreated can lead to complications, including oral health problems such as gum disease.

Jennifer Brennan, fundraising manager at Diabetes Ireland, adds: ‘This partnership gives us an opportunity to raise awareness about diabetes and oral health amongst our members, supporters and the diabetes community.

‘The funds raised through this partnership will also enable us to continue to provide much needed information, care and a range of services to help improve the lives of those affected by diabetes.’

For information on diabetes and oral health, visit www.diabetes.ie/oralhealth or www.dentalcareireland.ie