Oral symptoms and signs in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

Objective:We investigated oral disorders and compared the findings with the occurrence of neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study design:Mucosal diseases, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction were examined in 45 patients with long-term type 2 diabetes mellitus and in 77 control subjects. The occurrence of neuropathy was evaluated by neurophysiologic tests. Results:Of patients with diabetes, 56% suffered from dry mouth and 18% from glossodynia; of controls, correspondingly, 36% and 7% (P<.05); 2 or more mucosal lesions were detected in 42% and 20%, respectively (P=.008). Temporomandibular joint dysfunction was found in 27% of subjects with diabetes and in 16% of control subjects. Peripheral neuropathy was present in 42% of patients with diabetes and in none of the controls (P<.01), and autonomic parasympathetic neuropathy in 54% and 31%, respectively (P=.02). Peripheral and autonomic parasympathetic neuropathies were independent risk factors for tooth loss and temporomandibular dysfunction. Conclusions:Diabetic neuropathy was found to be associated with tooth loss and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2000;90:299-305)