Oral manifestations in patients with diabetes mellitus

Abstract

The purpose of this article was to increase the knowledge about oral manifestations and complications associated with diabetes mellitus. An overview was performed on Google, especially in recent reliable papers in relation to diabetes mellitus and its oral manifestations (keywords were “diabetes mellitus”, “oral manifestations”, and “oral complications”). Data were collected and the results were declared. Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common chronic disorders characterized by hyperglycemia. This disease can have many complications in various regions of the body, including the oral cavity. The important oral manifestations and complications related to diabetes include xerostomia, dental caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease, increased tendency to oral infections, burning mouth, taste disturbance, and poor wound healing. Oral complications in diabetic patients are considered major complications and can affect patients’ quality of life. There is evidence that chronic oral complications in these patients have negative effects on blood glucose control, so prevention and management of the oral complications are important.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Oral complications; Oral manifestations; Periodontal disease; Xerostomia

Core tip: Since diabetes mellitus is a common disease and can have some annoying manifestations in the patient’s mouth, it is important for physicians to be aware of these manifestations and to treat them properly.