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Is There a Relationship Between Oral Health and Diabetic Neuropathy?

  • Microvascular Complications—Neuropathy (R Pop-Busui, Section Editor)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Diabetic neuropathy is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus with high morbidity and mortality, and low quality of life. It has a broad spectrum of clinical forms, although distal symmetrical polyneuropathy is the most prevalent. Several oral complications including burning mouth syndrome, dry mouth, and impairment of the senses taste and smell are less-known manifestations of diabetic neuropathy and often overlooked. Periodontitis, tooth loss, and temporomandibular joint dysfunction may be also present in these patients and are equally debilitating. Periodontitis was declared the sixth complication of diabetes in 1993 and may contribute to poor glucose control. Hence, periodontitis and diabetes mutually and adversely affect each other. This review summarizes the available body of scientific literature that discusses oral manifestations in patients with diabetic neuropathy and identifies important areas where more research is needed.

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Conflict of Interest

Wenche S. Borgnakke, Patricia F. Anderson, Carol Shannon, and Anca Jivanescu declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Emerging Technologies Informationist, Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, 1135 E Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5726, USA

    Patricia F. Anderson

  2. Informationist, Academic & Clinical Engagement, Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, 1135 E Catherine St, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-5726, USA

    Carol Shannon

  3. Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Victor Babes” Timisoara, P-ta Eftimie Murgu Nr. 2, Timisoara, Romania

    Anca Jivanescu

  4. Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, 1011 North University Avenue Rm# G049, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109-1078, USA

    Wenche S. Borgnakke

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  1. Wenche S. Borgnakke
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  2. Patricia F. Anderson
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Correspondence to Wenche S. Borgnakke.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Microvascular Complications—Neuropathy

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Borgnakke, W.S., Anderson, P.F., Shannon, C. et al. Is There a Relationship Between Oral Health and Diabetic Neuropathy?. Curr Diab Rep 15, 93 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-015-0673-7

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