Dentists are trained to spot diabetes

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A lot of people dread a trip to the dentist, but your dentist is trained to spot a variety of health problems, including diabetes. And that can be a life-saving discovery.

A new survey finds that if you have gum disease, or periodontal disease, you could be at high risk of having diabetes. It's estimated 18 million Americans know they have diabetes, but there are another six million people who have it and don't know it. If you don't know about this illness, you won't be changing your diet and lifestyle to help keep you healthy.

Dr. Sheila Straus of NYU College of Nursing said, "93 percent of people who have at least moderate periodontal disease and haven't been diagnosed with diabetes, are in fact at risk."

Researchers are recommending that dentists screen patients with gum disease for diabetes, especially those who have a family history of diabetes, are over 45 and are overweight.