Anthony T Vernillo1. 1. Department of Oral Pathology, New York University College of Dentistry, New York, NY 10010-4086, USA. anthony.vernillo@nyu.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Dentists play a major role as part of an allied health team in providing oral care to patients with diabetes. As such, they may detect undiagnosed cases of diabetes and refer patients to physicians for further evaluation. METHODS: The author describes new concepts in metabolic control for diabetes and the relationship of oral complications to diabetes mellitus. The treatment of acute oral infections and the dentist's role in supporting patients in smoking-cessation programs are approaches that may reduce morbidity from diabetes mellitus. In consultation with the patient's physician, the dentist may need to modify the treatment plan where systemic complications are present. RESULTS: Working with the physician, nutritionist and dental hygienist, the dentist can maintain the patient's oral health and possibly improve the patient's metabolic control of diabetes. In consultation with the patient's physician, the dentist can discuss the indications and contraindications of medications for the treatment of oral complications in patients with systemic complications resulting from diabetes. Using a glucometer may avert emergencies related to diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The dental team can improve the metabolic control of a patient's diabetes by maintaining optimal oral health. The dentist also can reduce comorbidity factors by supporting patients in tobacco-use cessation programs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes by maintaining their patients' oral health and by referring patients with signs and symptoms of oral complications suggestive of diabetes to physicians for further evaluation.
BACKGROUND: Dentists play a major role as part of an allied health team in providing oral care to patients with diabetes. As such, they may detect undiagnosed cases of diabetes and refer patients to physicians for further evaluation. METHODS: The author describes new concepts in metabolic control for diabetes and the relationship of oral complications to diabetes mellitus. The treatment of acute oral infections and the dentist's role in supporting patients in smoking-cessation programs are approaches that may reduce morbidity from diabetes mellitus. In consultation with the patient's physician, the dentist may need to modify the treatment plan where systemic complications are present. RESULTS: Working with the physician, nutritionist and dental hygienist, the dentist can maintain the patient's oral health and possibly improve the patient's metabolic control of diabetes. In consultation with the patient's physician, the dentist can discuss the indications and contraindications of medications for the treatment of oral complications in patients with systemic complications resulting from diabetes. Using a glucometer may avert emergencies related to diabetes. CONCLUSIONS: The dental team can improve the metabolic control of a patient's diabetes by maintaining optimal oral health. The dentist also can reduce comorbidity factors by supporting patients in tobacco-use cessation programs. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Dentists can reduce the morbidity and mortality associated with diabetes by maintaining their patients' oral health and by referring patients with signs and symptoms of oral complications suggestive of diabetes to physicians for further evaluation.
Authors: Shiela M Strauss; Janet Tuthill; Geetika Singh; David Rindskopf; Jack A Maggiore; Robert Schoor; Anya Brodsky; Adi Einhorn; Amanda Hochstein; Stefanie Russell; Mary Rosedale Journal: J Periodontol Date: 2011-11-16 Impact factor: 6.993
Authors: Kamaira H Philips; Shaoping Zhang; Kevin Moss; Katharine Ciarrocca; James D Beck Journal: J Am Dent Assoc Date: 2020-11-27 Impact factor: 3.634