Dawn phenomenon. is an elevation in circulating blood sugar in the morning due to physiological factors.    Due to the net effect of the Dawn Phenomenon, morning medication dosing and a sound breakfast make the morning hours the safest time to provide dental treatment for a diabetic patient.
	Systemic Illnesses-an insulin dependent diabetic with an acute dental abscess may require closer measurement of blood glucose levels and may need antibiotics for an adequate period of time when oral infection is present.
	Stress of a dental appointment can raise blood sugar levels before, during or after treatment.
	Food intake is to be assured before treatment is delivered to prevent hypoglycemia.
	Exercise.  If they exercise before treatment and don't eat they could lower blood sugar levels prior to treatment.
	Menstruation and pregnancy affect when treatment should be given.
	Medications taken to control blood sugar levels.  Verify medications were take as directed by doctor.

1. Your dentist may request a test of blood sugar to see whether the diabetes is under control. Normal blood sugar levels should be 80 to 140 mg/dL.  This is to be done to determine if your blood sugar levels are stable or unstable.  These conditions will affect your dental care.
2. Antibiotics may prescribe to minimize your risk of infection during dental treatment.
3. Morning appointments are the best time to tolerate dental procedures.

   It is important for you to know how well your diabetes is controlled and to tell your dentist this
    information at each visit:

   	Tell them current symptoms.
   	Frequency of  low blood sugar episodes
   	Medications used, dosage and frequency.
   	When your last meal before the appointment occurred and the type of carbohydrate consumed.
   	How often you have glucose testing and what your latest lab and self monitored glucose levels were.
   	Any changes you have notice in your mouth since the last appointment.

    

4. Ask for shorter appointment rather than longer
5. Dental procedures that create the potential for delayed healing may require modifying your diet and medication regimen. 
6. Treatment considerations of the use of a bathroom.
7. We have small snacks and glucose tablets available to help you control your blood sugar levels.
8. Consider soft and/or liquid food for the next meal after treatment.
9. We have many comforts to help you relax to reduce your stress. 
10. Drugs used for dental treatment can have an effect on  controlling glucose.  Inform your dentist of any drugs or over the counter medications your are taking.*
11. You may need to be premedicated:

	Amoxicillin 2g, 1 hour preoperatively, followed by amoxicillin 500 mg, three times daily for 4 days.
	Those allergic to penicillin: clindamycin 600mg, 1 hour preoperatively, followed by clindamycin 150 mg, four times daily for 4 days.

 

Anti-Diabetes Mineral

Toss a half-cup of spinach into your green salad for extra protection against diabetes. Spinach is a great source of magnesium, a mineral that is essential to many cellular processes. Now, new research suggests magnesium might have a protective effect against diabetes. In a study, adequate magnesium was associated with a lower risk of developing type 2 diabetes. RealAge Benefit: Eating a diverse diet that includes 5 servings of vegetables per day can make your RealAge as much as 4 years younger.

Diabetes Public Health Information Index, CDC.

February 06, 2008

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