In Medical History Mysteries, we recently talked about the importance of having a systems-based medical history and the different aspects that should be included. Last time, we talked about the cardiovascular system, and now we’ll discuss diabetes and its pertinence 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. Further, there is a direct causal link between periodontal disease and cardiovascular disease.
In this episode of Medical History Mysteries, 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 medical condition doesn’t negatively affect their dental treatment.
Editor’s note: This article first appeared in Through the Loupes newsletter, a publication of the Endeavor Business Media Dental Group. Read more articles and subscribe to Through the Loupes.
Pamela Maragliano-Muniz, DMD, is the chief editor of DentistryIQ and editorial codirector of Through the Loupes. Based in Salem, Massachusetts, Dr. Maragliano-Muniz began her clinical career as a dental hygienist. She went on to attend Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, where she earned her doctorate in dental medicine. She then attended the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dental Medicine, where she became board-certified in prosthodontics. Dr. Maragliano-Muniz owns a private practice, Salem Dental Arts, and lectures on a variety of clinical topics. You may contact her at [email protected].