About 30 million Americans have diabetes, and another 89 million are prediabetic. Diabetes has a significant relationship with periodontal disease. Diabetes lends to a compromised immune function, which becomes a key factor in patients with periodontitis, also known as gum disease.
In our office, we’re interested in the optimal treatment of diabetic patients. When we first meet patients, we identify patients at risk for diabetes, even if they do not have a formal diagnosis. On occasion, we may provide an in-office test to assess for diabetes for at-risk patients. We refer patients to local physicians for diabetic control. We continually review diabetic test results with our patients. We are prepared for, recognize, and treat diabetic emergencies in our office.
We have learned through vast amounts of evidence that the treatment of periodontal disease can improve the health balance of a diabetic patient. We constantly assess and recommend the ideal treatment of periodontal infections. Sometimes the mere presence of periodontal becomes an opportunity to catch the presence of diabetes in a previously undiagnosed patient.
Regardless of your diabetic status, we are always aware that it has an impact on your dental health, as well as your overall health over your lifetime.
Chris Rafoth is the owner of Lyons Creek Dental Care, providing medical dentistry, dental implants, and facial esthetics since 1998 for Shoreline and greater Seattle areas, as well as communities in King and Snohomish counties. Any questions or comments? Contact him at chris@lyonscreekdentalcare.com today!
