Diabetes is a syndrome caused by abnormal metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, leading to either a relative or complete lack of insulin in the body and poor blood sugar control, which results in elevated glucose levels in the blood. Another type occurs due to increased cellular resistance to insulin, while the next form occurs in pregnant women, causing abnormal glucose tolerance and weak blood sugar control. The prevalence of this disease has increased in developing countries due to various reasons such as:
- Population growth
- Age
- Lack of physical activity
- Unhealthy diet
These individuals are often middle-aged. Diabetes complications can affect various organs in the body, including the mouth. This article examines the relationship between blood sugar control and dry mouth.
Oral Lesions in Diabetic Patients Oral lesions that may appear due to diabetes include periodontitis and dry mouth. Poor blood sugar control in diabetes can lead to damage of the salivary glands, resulting in dry mouth, which in turn causes several complications, including:
- Irritation of dry mucous membranes
- Minor ulcers
- Overgrowth of opportunistic microorganisms such as Candida
- Increased glucose in gingival crevicular fluid
- Higher incidence of dental cavities
- Increased plaque accumulation
Dry mouth is an uncomfortable complication of diabetes that can significantly reduce a person’s quality of life. It is associated with poor blood sugar control and medications that can lead to reduced salivary gland activity. Autonomic neuropathies are also one of the complications of diabetes that affect saliva secretion by reducing it, as saliva flow is controlled by sympathetic and parasympathetic pathways. Diabetes manifests many oral symptoms such as:
- Burning mouth
- Changes in wound healing
- Dry mouth
- Increased risk of infection
- Candida infections
- Bilateral enlargement of the salivary glands
Therefore, if a person has diabetes and poor blood sugar control, dry mouth may occur due to reduced salivary gland function, and it is advisable for the individual to consult a specialist in this regard.