Oral health care in diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus produces many complex changes in the lives of those affected. Elevated blood glucose levels, which may occur in the absence of symptoms, lead to late complications from tissue damage. There is an increased susceptibility to infection, poor wound healing and periodontal disease. Furthermore, chronic oral infection itself may contribute to raised blood glucose levels and hence to the later complications of diabetes. Acute infection in the oral cavity needs specific and aggressive management, just as in the acutely infected diabetic foot.' The dental team may not have made a significant contribution to the shared management of the person with diabetes in the past; however, recent findings suggest that the dental team may contribute greatly to the shared care of diabetes with the diabetic team itself, and regular liaison is strongly recommended.