Diabetic Dental Patient and what they Need to Know

Diabetic Dental Patient and what they Need to Know

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most frequent pathologies that dentists encounter .It is important due to its cute complications, and severity which can mean an immediate risk for patient’s life.

DM includes a group of diseases characterized by impaired action or secretion of insulin, or both. and the most frequent are type I and II .

DM is diagnosed by the repeated obtaining of fasting plasma glucose levels of 126 mg/ dl or higher, or glycosylated hemoglobin of 6’5% or higher.

DM and Dental treatment                                                       

The folowing may be considered

*Your dentist may request a test of blood suger to see whether the diabetes is under control. Normal non fasting blood sugar levels should be 80 to 140 mg/dL. This is to be done to determine the stability of your blood sugar levels.

 *Antibiotics may be prescribed to minimize your risk of infection during dental treatment due to delayed wound healing and major susceptibility to infections, and sometimes antibiotics may be prescribed as pre-medication

Scheduling Your Appointment

If possible, schedule your appointment first thing in the morning, after a meal. Your glucose levels are more stable at this time and will reduce the chance of a drop in blood sugar during your appointment. At every dental visit, let your dentist, hygienist, or assistant know what your latest blood sugar reading was. Give it to them as soon as you sit down and they review your health history.