Diabetes mellitus and potential oral complications – A review

Abstract

It is a fact that diabetes affects 9.3% of the world’s population and the number of afflicted individuals is anticipated to increase by 11% by 2045. Diabetes Mellitus is a category of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycaemia caused by abnormalities in insulin production, insulin action or both. It is also attributed to a number of microvascular and macrovascular problems, the aetiology of which is complicated and involves metabolic and haemodynamic abnormalities such as hyperglycaemia, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance and immunological dysfunction. Since oral cavity is likewise extensively vascularized and innervated, diabetic oral sequelae are to be expected. Despite the fact that there is a significant data supporting the link between diabetes and dental health, there is a lack of oral health knowledge among health professionals and even diabetic patients. In this review, we will assess potential oral complications, elaborate on the pathogenic mechanisms and some literature studies that might explain the associations between diabetes mellitus and potential oral manifestations.