[The oral cavity: A mirror of diabetes]

Diabetes and the oral cavity are closely associated as diabetes physiopathology affects the mouth and the oral manifestations are numerous and varied. These need to be searched systematically at every clinical examination as they are not only comorbidity factors but also have a two-way relationship with diabetes control. Periodontal diseases are the most frequent pathologies and the relationship with glycemic control has clearly been established: their frequency increases in case of uncontrolled glycemia, which makes them a good marker of glycated hemoglobin. Thorough oral health follow-up of diabetic patients that is coordinated by its various actors from the beginning of the treatment is thus of great interest. Most of the care given to diabetic patients can easily be performed at the dental clinic, provided adequate precautions are taken and improvement of the oral cavity is beneficial to glycemic control as well as to the patients' quality of life. When implemented by trained oral health professionals in dental clinics, therapeutic education proves highly efficient.