American Dental Association released new guidance for dentists with recommendations regarding patients with diabetes.
These people require special attention due to their physiological condition because common dental problems are often more severe than in healthy organisms – for instance, gum disease is often accompanied by complications in patients with diabetes due to high A1C levels, and affected people require prolonged and more intensive treatment.
What exactly is ADA recommended?
First, the new Standard of Care for Diabetes said that people with this condition should visit a dentist for a dental health examination at least once per year. Thus, specialists can detect oral problems before they start affecting patients' lives.
Released guidance also stresses the crucial role of cooperation between a dental team and a medical group to prevent possible hypoglycemia during dental treatment.
Additionally, in the case of patients with diabetes, dentists have to be informed about their 'glycemic goals' and current medication to provide high-quality health outcomes.
Awareness is must have
The guidance also notes that dentists and dental clinic managers should also increase their knowledge of diabetes disease to provide safe treatment for affected patients. Also, the ADA notes that in future years, clinics should provide dental teams access to blood glucose monitors, carbohydrates, and glucagon during procedures and operations, guaranteeing patients' safety.
ADA and WHO annually collect the latest scientific research, clinical trials, and discoveries, updating their guidance in different ways to make dental care more effective and accessible in the US. Check out other updates from this organization:
- World Health Organization Has Established a New Global Dental Strategy
- Opioids for Pain Management in Children: New American Academy of Pediatrics Recommendations
