Oral cavity and systemic diseases - Diabetes mellitus

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease which affects many organs. Often in the oral cavity undergo changes that are associated with diabetes. Many dental practitioners are often not aware of the attendant oral manifestations in diabetic patients, which results in prescription of a non-accurate treatment. The aim of the review is to focus on main oral manifestations related to diabetes in order that the proper solution for treatment is to be taken. Untreated oral infections can adversely affect metabolic control. Patients may present with oral conditions that suggest undiagnosed diabetes: progressing severe periodontitis, enlarged gums which bleed easily, multiple periodontal abscesses. Diabetic patients with poor oral hygiene, a history of smoking, rare visits to dentists, high carbohydrate intake are more likely to present caries and periodontitis and to respond poorly to dental treatment. If the doctor suspects undiagnosed diabetes, the patient should be examined to reveal the history of polydipsia, polyuria, polyphagia, unexplained weight loss, and family history of diabetes.