Diabetes mellitus: Considerations for the dental practitioner

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing significantly and, therefore, dental practitioners are having to manage diabetic patients on a more regular basis. Alongside the systemic effects on the various tissues and organs of the body, diabetes can adversely affect oral health and all clinicians should be aware of the issues that may arise. Clinical Relevance: Dental practitioners are almost guaranteed to encounter both diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetic patients. It is therefore important that they are aware of the oral signs and symptoms of disease and the reciprocal relationship between oral health and glycaemic control, so that diabetic patients are managed accordingly.