DENTAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF PATIENTS WITH DIABETES - A REVIEW

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is one of the most prevalent diseases that dentists encounter, because of its high global prevalence. It is diagnosed by frequent diagnosis of fasting plasma glucose levels (Reference range is 126 mg/ dl or higher). Diabetes, if not controlled properly, leads to a higher risk of periodontal disease on glycemic control and its mechanisms still not well established. Many oral symptoms include xerostomia, sialadenitis, burning mouth syndrome. Inorder to avoid the practical difficulties on dental treatment for a diabetic patient, a dentist should know the dental patient's medical history before start the practice. Concomitantly, the treatment should be done at morning time to alleviate patients’ discomfort with their diabetic complication. The dentist must be conscious that an acute complication can occur (hypoglycaemia or Hyperglycaemia). Furthermore, these patients suffer from delayed wound healing and major susceptibility to infections.