Dentists can help to detect undiagnosed diabetes
Researchers at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine have found that dentists can play an important role in diagnosing diabetes and detecting sings of pre-diabetes.
Dr Ira Lamster, dean of the College of Dental Medicine, said that gum disease is a complication of diabetes and most people see their dentist at least once a year. This means that dentists can play a very important role in detecting diabetes and encouraging patients who have not been diagnosed with the condition to see a doctor.
According to Dr Lamster, past studies have focused on medical settings rather than oral health settings and she believes that this study confirms the importance of dentists with relation to diabetes diagnosis and care.
The study involved approximately 600 individuals aged over 30 of Hispanic, white or non-white origin. None of the participants had been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes. The results of the study showed that dental examinations could effectively be used to detect pre-diabetes and diabetes; the study confirmed that two parameters, including the number of missing teeth and the percentage of periodontal pockets, were an effective means of diagnosing diabetes.
Join this Discussion