The Journal of Dental Research published a study that showed that dental visits are an opportunity for identifying diabetes and pre-diabetes in previously undiagnosed patients.  One of the largest public health issues facing the nation today is the diabetes epidemic. This study was aimed at developing a protocol for identifying high blood sugar levels in dental patients.

Nearly 70 percent of adults in the United States visit the dentist at least once a year. “Periodontal disease is an early complication of diabetes” according to Dr. Ira Lamster of Columbia University. “Prior research focused on identification stategies relevant to medical settings. Oral healthcare settings have not been evaluated before, nor have the contributions of oral findings ever been tested prospectively.”

Researchers looked at over 500 patients who had at least one additional risk factor such as overweight, high cholesterol, high blood pressure or a family history of diabetes. Researchers found that in this group, simply looking at the number of missing teeth and the percentage of deep periodontal pockets (evidence of gum disease) spotted the individuals who were diabetic or pre-diabetic. A fingerstick test confirmed blood sugar levels.

Early diagnosis and treatment of diabetes can lessen the effects of this debilitating disease and the findings of this study may point public health policy in the direction of dentists when it comes to alerting patients about possible blood sugar problems.

Please contact our Gahanna office at 614-476-6696 to schedule your dental hygiene appointment today.  Gum disease is common in diabetic patients and left untreated can lead to problems managing blood sugar levels. Our goal is a healthy smile and a healthy life for all our patients.