34 Comments
Does your dentist usually ask about or discuss your diabetes with you?
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Yes she does. When I first started with her, she even took the time to call my neurosurgeon, who’s on the West Coast, before my appointment. To find out about how local numbing injections would interact with Moyamoya Disease.
I get the feeling that both my dentist and hygienist are clueless about diabetes. I have brought it up as a topic and they move on with nods and that’s about it.
I own the responsibility, not him / her. I ALWAYS know what the BG is and where it is trending prior to sitting down for an hour or more’s work before the great numbing down. ＼(*´Ｑ｀*)／～ｏ○◯ zz..(ˇ㉨ˇ๑)☆
You’re correct, however we are more prone to dental issues & gum disease. Asking what my latest A1C is, gives them info to use on my treatment plan.
If my A1C is good, that also shows I’m more likely taking other healthy, lifestyle steps.
My diabetic husband had to take antibiotics before dental appointments because he had an artificial hip implant. Bacteria into the bloodstream of a T1D is not a good thing. However, I am a T1D with no artificial joints, so don’t have to take antibiotics before dental apts?????????
My father was to have major dental work done and told the dentist he’s always had antibiotics prior to any dental procedure – Dentist declared it unnecessary and proceeded – 2 weeks later my Dad was found, near death – massive infection in his blood! My Dad is T1D also. Incredible stupidity on the dentist’s part!
He asks how my sugars are doing.
They ask stupid questions like has your diabetes been in control?
Sadly, my dentist doesn’t know as much about specific medications as I do. He refused to treat me as I’m taking long-term steroids. He, therefore, referred me to see a hospital dentist who confirmed that what I’d informed my own dentist about the specific steroids that I’m taking is 100% correct.
The steroids that I’m taking are called fludrocortisone, which stimulate the adrenal glands, which sit atop each kidney, to increase blood pressure.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen a dentist in more than about 15 years now.
15 years! I get my teeth cleaned and checked EVERY year, just like I get my eyes dilated EVERY year.
It has been standard that they ask for my latest A1c. (There is no judgement!) I don’t mind, because dental health is important, whether you have diabetes or not (i.e the people who have to take antibiotics prior to an appointment).
It’s in my chart, but he never asks about it.
No but I bring it up every visit.
I also am sensitive to epi and norepinephrine in the numbing medicine and get prominent heart beats so I always bring it up mimics low blood sugar in me
Sometimes the hygienist will ask what my most recent A1c was.
My hygienist is typically the one with whom I discuss diabetic issues, if significant (normally not) the discussion continues with the dentist.
He usually says “ Anything new on the diabetes front? A1c?” And then we move on to the matter at hand…….
I have all my teeth and haven’t had ant problems other than cavities.
My dentist only checks my prescriptions. My endo always asks when my last dental appointment was.
I see the dental hygienist every 3 months because of my T1D. I don’t remember him/her mentioning my diabetes. However, my memory is not very good. I see the dentist about two times per year. He usually says everything looks good, keep up the good work. I believe they are aware of my diabetes, but I don’t recall it being discussed.
No but I am asked of I have any health related changes.
The hygienists used to when I was having pockets. They don’t have much to say with A1c’s below 7 for >2 years and no more pockets. Nothing they ever said was new or groundbreaking.
Before my dentist retired 9 years ago, she would always ask what my latest A1c was and if I had any new health issues. Since then I’ve not continued with dental care because I can no longer pay the costs.
Janis, have you considered volunteering for a student hygienist to practice on? At least you’ll get teeth cleaned. To save money you might consider volunteering as a patient for dental students. They are supervised by dentists. What about your county public health dentist? They can handle cavities.
No dentist.
They dont specifically ask about my diabetes but they always check what all my current medications are.
I don’t have a dentist anymore since getting dentures
I don’t see a dentist on a regular basis – too expensive – but go when I believe it’s either time to have another check done, or because I need to. If any work needs to be done, I am the one that lets them know what my latest A1C is and if that leads to any other questions – fine.
Yes, he is in awe that I still have fillings that are over 60 years old. I always joke that it’s not eating SUGAR products for over 55 years.
She usually does ask but not in great detail.
My dentist is also T1D….
Why don’t you guys set the situation Stright, A1C is really good for most new Persons with Diabetes. An A1C can be fooled very easy because it’s an average for not three months, but the last month. I know by experience, I had a couple of lows prior to my Endo. visit, my A1C went from 6.5 to 6.0.
Yes, both the hygienist and the DDS ask about & discuss my diabetes health with me. I have had gingivitis and infected gum tissues in the past from poorly controlled BG levels in my younger years. Had to have a root canal about 30 years ago and subsequent bridge work. Over the years I have had decent dental insurance through employers, and now with a Medicare Advantage plan.
I see the hygienist twice a year for cleaning and the DDS examines my teeth & gums at the cleaning visits and makes recommendations, or not, of any work that needs to be done to maintain and preserve oral health. Fortunately both they, and I, recognize and acknowledge that dental health maintenance is an important factor in diabetes self-care and is part of the whole picture of overall robust health and well-being.
I go to a nice, family owned dentist. I don’t recall the dentist specifically discussing my T1D, though he’s aware. Maybe because I’m not having any diabetes related issues?? The hygienist is curious about health issues and likes to discuss diabetes and autoimmunity during my cleanings.
Dentists, doctors or their assistants always ask what medications I’m taking, purpose of appt every time, just like I must verify, name, address, phone #, birth date, membership #. Dentist receptionist always want to know what insurance I have. Glad we have fluoridated water. I’ve still got my teeth after 75 years and have had a root canal and a couple of crowns.