[Oral manifestations of diabetes].

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a disease of adults as well as children which could result either due to insulin deficiency or resistance to insulin, or both. Symptoms include polyuria, polydypsia, polyphagia, unexplained weight loss, neurosensory disorders, recurrent infections and slow wound healing. Diabetes mellitus is classified as Type I diabetes mellitus (insulin dependent), Type II diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent), gestational diabetes and other specific types. Most frequent oral manifestations include gingivitis, periodontitis, recurrent periodontal abscess, delayed healing after extraction, dry socket, oral infections like candidiasis, xerostomia, neurosensory disorders which result in glossodynia, stomatopyrosis or „burning mouth syndrome‟, hypogeusia and other oral dysesthesias.  Most diabetic patients can easily be managed on an outpatient basis in dental office. Preferred appointment timing is in the morning. Prophylactic antibiotic coverage is usually necessary in order to prevent infections. It is also advisable to have dextrose solution at hand during treatment procedures. Key words: Oral Manifestations, Diabetes, Dental