Evidence in Action CASE 1 A new patient in your office reports that she has recently been diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and that her physician suggested that she should have a dental checkup. The patient confides in you that she feels like this disease is really changing her lifestyle. She laughingly says “I have always had such good reports from my previous dentist, and I just don’t really see why I need to be worried about my teethnow.”
Based upon what is known about the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, how might you explain the need for the recommended dental exam to the patient?