Top Beverly Hills Periodontist Discusses Revolutionary New Techniques to Diagnose Diabetes During a Routine Dental Exam

Beverly Hills, CA, February 16, 2012 --(PR.com)-- According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), diabetes currently affects 25.8 million Americans each year. The startling factor is that many of those cases may in fact be undiagnosed. Early detection of diabetes is key in combating and treating the condition and health professionals in every field are taking great strides in raising awareness. Supported in large part by a grant from Colgate-Palmolive, researchers at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine conducted a study to create and analyze a method to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes during a routine dental exam. While the importance of regular dental check-ups is widely known to be essential in ensuring future oral health, these routine visits could be become paramount in securing overall wellness. Beverly Hills Periodontist Dr. Alex Farnoosh states, “Periodontal Disease is dangerous enough but it can also be an early sign of diabetes amongst people who have no idea they even have it. This study is revolutionary in establishing early detection protocols to better serve my patients.”

The study gathered 600 participants who were Hispanic or non-white aged 30 years or older and non-Hispanic or white individuals aged 40 years or older who had never been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes. Of those participating in the study, the patients identified at least one additional diabetes risk factor such as diabetes in the family history, high cholesterol levels and obesity. After testing several different tools for identification, researchers established an algorithm comprised of two main dental indicators; number of teeth missing and the “percentage of deep periodontal pockets.” These factors combined with a hemoglobin Alc test during the exam were successful in identifying patients with pre-diabetes or diabetes. To test against this method, patients were also given a plasma glucose test which is commonly the method utilized by doctors to detect the disease. Dr. Alex Farnoosh comments, “As a dental professional completely committed to my patients’ health, I look forward to performing this early detection system during exams. Not only can I help to protect against more serious oral problems, but this study highlights an additional service I can give to protect my patients from more serious health complications.”

As obesity numbers rise in America, diabetes numbers grow exponentially. It is essential to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to keep diabetes from ever developing. While many individuals may think that regular brushing and flossing is enough, visiting your dentist regularly can also help to maintain a healthy lifestyle as oral problems can be signs of other problems. Dr. Alex Farnoosh recommends seeing your dental professional often, especially if a patient begins to encounter any sort of discomfort like gum and tooth pain, gum sensitivity and other commonly ignored warning signs. “We cannot avoid even the smallest sign of discomfort,” says Dr. Alex Farnoosh, “Though it may turn out to be a small issue, one should never dismiss a problem that may be an early indicator of a more serious complication.” To learn more about Dr. Farnoosh and how to achieve The Total Smile, visit: http://www.thetotalsmile.com

###