Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is considered one of the most common chronic diseases today; therefore, it is important to understand its most significant oral disorders.
The presence of these oral manifestations can lead to discomfort and/or oral pain, impeding proper nutrition; they can also worsen the prognosis of diabetes, as they frequently alter, impact, and aggravate processes affecting certain organs. Furthermore, it is very interesting to realize that awareness of these manifestations (for example, a sensation of dry mouth) can alert the dentist to the existence of an undiagnosed diabetic patient.
There are many controversies about the prevalence of tooth decay in diabetic patients. Clinical studies showed that before the use of insulin, diabetics were very prone to dental caries, perhaps due to decreased salivary secretion (little saliva) and increased carbohydrates in saliva (sweeter saliva). However, since the introduction of insulin as a treatment for diabetes, no differences have been found in the prevalence of caries between diabetic patients and the healthy population; it has even been observed that diabetic children have fewer cavities than healthy children of the same age, especially if their saliva is well controlled.
The influence of diabetes on periodontal disease, has also been extensively studied, indicating that this interaction has important implications for healthcare professionals, diabetic and periodontal patients, and the general population.
Scientific literature clearly demonstrates that diabetes is a highly significant risk factor for periodontitis. It has also been observed that if diabetes is not well controlled, this risk is higher and periodontitis is more severe. It has also been found that patients with poorly controlled, long-standing diabetes are more prone to relapse and tooth loss during the periodontal maintenance phase. Therefore, we want to emphasize the importance of properly managing your diabetes.
Individuals with poorly controlled diabetes, whether type 1 or 2, both adults and children, should be considered at risk for periodontitis and are advised to visit a dentist to assess their periodontal status. Early diagnosis and prevention are essential to avoid the irreversible damage that periodontitis causes to the tissues that support the teeth.
