Should Dentists Screen for Diabetes?

Should Dentists Screen for Diabetes?

Clinical Implication of Blood Glucose Monitoring in General Dental Offices: The Ehime Dental Diabetes Study” 

A study of 528 patients diagnosed with periodontitis revealed:

187 patients (35.4%) with mild periodontitis had a mean blood glucose level of 110 mg/dL.

286 patients (54.2%) with moderate periodontitis had a mean blood glucose level of 137.6 mg/dL.

55 patients (10.4%) with severe periodontitis had a mean blood glucose level of 156.1 mg/dL.

This group had the highest proportion of patients with hyperglycemia (blood glucose ≥ 200 mg/dL).

Approximately 30% of patients with hyperglycemia reported NO HISTORY OF DIABETES.

Dental professionals are first-line general healthcare providers for many patients.

By performing, basic screening measures for common diseases can have a substantial impact on the oral and systemic health of their patients