Some dentists are screening all of their gum disease patients for high blood sugar to determine whether diabetes is a concern. Because diabetics have poor blood glucose control, they are prone to infections, such as ulcers, thrush, stinatitis, and tooth decay. The plaque on their teeth is often thicker and harder to remove, so gum disease is also more prevalent. A patient may have gum disease caused by diabetes, but not be aware that they are diabetic. This lack of knowledge could put the patient’s life at risk. You, as the patient’s trusted dentist, can help.
The test for blood sugar levels is done via a finger prick – simple, quick, effective. Diane Rixon’s report on this issue in theDIABETESBLOG raves about Dr. Ronald Schefdore, who has taught 500 others to perform the screening. Dr. Schefdore uses the finger prick blood test to assess for diabetes, high cholesterol, and hsC-Reactive protein, which is beneficial in screening for heart disease and some forms of cancer. For one patient, Dr. Schefdore found cancer in the early stage – which may have saved his life; see the interview here.
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