Review
Buccal alterations in diabetes mellitus
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* Corresponding author: Carlos A Negrato carlosnegrato@uol.com.br
1 Bauru's Diabetics Association, Praça Salim Haddad Neto 13-20, Apto 1702, Vila Universitária-Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
2 Dentistry School of Bauru - USP, Rua Rodrigo Romeiro 4-45 apto 21, Centro-Bauru, São Paulo, Brazil
Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome 2010, 2:3 doi:10.1186/1758-5996-2-3
Published: 15 January 2010Abstract
Long standing hyperglycaemia besides damaging the kidneys, eyes, nerves, blood vessels, heart, can also impair the function of the salivary glands leading to a reduction in the salivary flow. When salivary flow decreases, as a consequence of an acute hyperglycaemia, many buccal or oral alterations can occur such as: a) increased concentration of mucin and glucose; b) impaired production and/or action of many antimicrobial factors; c) absence of a metalloprotein called gustin, that contains zinc and is responsible for the constant maturation of taste papillae; d) bad taste; e) oral candidiasis f) increased cells exfoliation after contact, because of poor lubrication; g) increased proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms; h) coated tongue; i) halitosis; and many others may occur as a consequence of chronic hyperglycaemia: a) tongue alterations, generally a burning mouth; b) periodontal disease; c) white spots due to demineralization in the teeth; d) caries; e) delayed healing of wounds; f) greater tendency to infections; g) lichen planus; h) mucosa ulcerations. Buccal alterations found in diabetic patients, although not specific of this disease, have its incidence and progression increased when an inadequate glycaemic control is present.