Abstract
This study was undertaken to investigate both the oral microbial flora and salivary functions in diabetes mellitus (DM) patients for preventing the onset of the oral infections. A total 129 DM patients (the mean age ; 54.0 years old, HbA1C 9.3%, FBS ; 187.9 mg/dl) were divided into 2 groups by the level of HbA1C (HbA1C ≧8% group or HbA1C 8% group). The statistic correlations were observed between the periodontal status and the incidence of periopathic bacteria, and between the number of lactobacilli and that of mutans streptococci. HbA1C ≧8% group showed a lower number of sound teeth, while showing higher levels of PD, lysozyme in saliva, Candida on the tongue and total bacteria in the periodontal pockets than those of HbA1C8% group. These findings suggest that poor controlled DM patients may have a high risk of candidiasis. Oral microbial flora and salivary functions before and after FBS control were investigated in 27 out of 129 DM patients and these findings were compared. After FBS control, the salivary buffering capacity and the number of lactobacilli and mutans streptococci in saliva were significantly improved from the pre-FBS control. These findings indicate that FBS control may reduce the pathogens of oral infections. In conclusion, both the dentist and physician should work in closer cooperation for preventing oral infections connected to diabetes mellitus.
