Question

A new patient in your office reports that she has recently been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and that her physician suggested that she should have a dental checkup. The patient confides in you that she feels like this disease is really changing her lifestyle. She laughingly says “I have always had such good reports from my previous dentist, and I just don't really see why I need to be worried about my teeth now” Based upon what is known about the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, how might you explain the need for the recommended dental exam to the patient?

Answer 1

In the scenario, as the patient is newly diagnosed of DM, the client has very less knowledge about DM and its relation with periodontal disease.

In DM, there is a chance of less saliva production which leads to dryness and mouth and thereby cracking of mucous membrane. The less amount of saliva causes increase on the occurance of cavities. The client is at a risk of infection in the mouth and gums and often affects with poor wound healing.

Patient education includes;

- Infections in the teeth and gum increases with increased age and poor control in blood sugar level. Infections in the gum also causes a rise in blood sugar, then the control of blood sugar will be difficult.

- Increased risk of gum diseases among the people with DM and if it is left untreated, the nearby or bones around also can be affected.

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