Oral symptoms and signs in elderly patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus - A focus on diabetic neuropathy

Objective. We investigated oral disorders and compared the findings with th e occurrence of neuropathy in type 2 diabetes mellitus. Study design. Mucosal diseases, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint dys function were examined in 45 patients with longterm type 2 diabetes mellitu s 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% fro m glossodynia; of controls, correspondingly, 36% and 7% (P <.05); 2 or more mucosal lesions were detected in 42% and 20%, respectively (P =.008). Temp oromandibular 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). Peripher al 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.