Screen for Diabetes: Do Not Forget To Examine the Mouth

Being a clinician involved in both academic and private sectors, I have encountered many cases in which I was the first to incidentally suspect Diabetes (DM) just from examining the mouth of patients referred to me by colleagues (for treatment of other unrelated disorders). Apparently, these colleagues had neglected to examine the oral cavity or if they had examined it, they apparently did not note the oral changes relating to DM. It is imperative that doctors be able to note these changes for early detection and laboratory diagnosis of DM to prevent late complications. Diabetes can affect the whole body; the mouth being no exception. Diabetics face a higher risk of oral health problems due to high Blood Sugar (BS). The less controlled the BS, the more likely the problems. Uncontrolled diabetes impairs WBCs-- the main defense against infections. Diabetics face a higher risk of dry mouth due to decreased salivary flow, resulting in soreness, ulcers, infections and caries [1, 2]