The tooth really matters and more so for those with diabetes. We are giving this issue some bite by focusing on diabetes and the teeth. Dentistry has always been a "feared" topic. Fear it is said has, however, to be confronted.

This brings to mind a recurring childhood nightmare. In it I sat "trapped" on a dental chair while two, yes, not one, but two dental surgeons attempted to extract a particularly 'stubborn' tooth almost Odessa File style. There is only a slight problem with this nightmare. It was a reality. That same night. I was rushed to a nearby hospital by my panic-stricken dad who saw me 'vomit blood' only to be redirected to another hospital as the former did not offer dental services. They could have at least exchanged my blood-soaked teeth-clenched handkerchief for a decent piece of gauze.

That incident occurred a long time ago. Dental surgery has come of age since. Today one may actually look forward to treatment (heard of dental cum spa clinics?). I wonder if the sound of the dental drill is synchronised with the strains of Mozart in the background while the good dental surgeon crowns you with many crowns. Find out how our dental specialists "cut their teeth" in treating various diabetes-related tooth disorders. Also, learn how you can nip a teething problem like "diabetic tooth" in the bud.

To cap this issue, DMLife is now officially Diabetes Singapore - a new name which encapsulates more succinctly the future role of our publication as a voice of diabetes in Singapore. We hope to have more dentition than a toothless tiger and help bridge the gap in knowledge between those with diabetes, the diabetes caregivers and, of course, the industry.

Dr Yeo Kim Teck
Editor, Diabetes Singapore

Senior Consultant
Singapore National Eye Centre