Oral Health and Dental Implications of Diabetic Patients: Literature Review

Abstract

Diabetes Mellitus is a disease characterized by the non-production of insulin (type 1) or by the body's inability to absorb it properly. Diabetic patients with uncontrolled blood glucose levels are more susceptible to diseases and infections in the oral cavity. This study is a literature review aimed at addressing the main oral manifestations in patients suffering from diabetes and the importance of dental follow-up. Research shows that the most frequent manifestations of the oral cavity in DM patients are: dry mouth, hyposalivation, burning mouth syndrome, glossodynia, taste disorders, infections, ulcerations in the oral mucosa, enamel hypocalcification, early loss of teeth, difficulty in scarring, periodontal disease, ketone breath and lichen planus, with periodontal disease being the most frequent complaint. It also shows the importance of conducting a well-conducted anamnesis and the care to be taken pre- and postoperatively, since diabetes causes difficulties in healing.