In Mysteries of medical historywe recently talked about the importance of having a systemic medical history and the different aspects that should be included. Last time around, we talked about the cardiovascular system, and now we’re going to discuss diabetes and its relevance to dentistry.
Diabetes increases the risk of infection and directly affects wound healing, inflammation levels, and the incidence of periodontal disease, which together create the perfect storm for dentistry. In addition, there is a direct causal link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
In this episode of Mysteries of medical history, Dr Tom Viola and I explore the topic of diabetes: what we need to know and what we need to ask our patients to make sure their condition does not negatively affect their dental treatment.
Editor’s Note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of dental group Endeavor Business Media. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the editor-in-chief of DentistryIQ and co-editorial director of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She then attended Tufts University School of Dentistry, where she obtained her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. She then attended the University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry, where she obtained her certificate in prosthodontics. Dr Maragliano-Muniz has a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You can contact her at [email protected].
