Kailua Dentists Spot Potential Diabetic Conditions at routine dental exams

Recent research done at Columbia University and published in the Journal of Dental Research has shown that routine dental visits can help identify patients with previously undiagnosed diabetes.rnOne in four Americans with type 2 diabetes remain undiagnosed. And people with pre- diabetes are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Early detection and treatment of diabetes and per-diabetes is important to prevent the serious health consequences of the disease. An estimated 23.6 million people in the United States—7.8 percent of the population—have diabetes. Of those, 17.9 million have been diagnosed, and 5.7 million have not yet been diagnosed. In 2007, about 1.6 million people ages 20 or older were diagnosed with diabetes.rnThe Columbia researchers found a 73% correlation with two commonly measured assessments of periodontal health and diabetes, periodontal probing depths and missing teeth. Kaneohe/ Kailua dentists Bruce Keller, DDS & Cynthia Ichiriu Keller, DDS examine their patients’ gums at each regular dental exam and cleaning appointment. Now, simply by using information they already obtain about their patients’ gums, Dr. Keller and Dr. Keller are able to suggest to those patients who meet the established criteria, that they seek a diabetic evaluation from their primary care physician. This is especially important for patients who have been previously unaware of a possible diabetic or pre-diabetic condition. By: Bruce J. Keller, DDSrnKaneohe Family Dental Care, Inc. was established in 1984 by the husband and wife team of Bruce Keller, D.D.S. and Cynthia Ichiriu Keller, D.D.S. Both Bruce and Cynthia are graduates of the Creighton University School of Dentistry, and are members of the Honolulu County Dental Society, Hawaii Dental Association, and the American Dental Association. Both doctors have received professional awards including multiple listings on Honolulu Magazine’s list of Top Dentists in Hawaii, Best Dentist Kailua, Best Dentist Kaneohe, Windward Dentist, and America’s Guide to Top Dentists.