CHANGES IN ORAL FLUID AND SALIVA IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

This study examines changes in oral fluid and saliva in patients with diabetes mellitus and their role in oral health pathology. Saliva plays a critical role in maintaining oral homeostasis through mechanical cleansing, mineralization, antimicrobial activity, and pH regulation. However, diabetes mellitus disrupts these functions by altering salivary composition and secretion rate. Despite existing studies on oral complications in diabetes, limited attention has been given to the diagnostic and functional significance of salivary changes. The study adopts an analytical and literature-based approach, focusing on biochemical and immunological alterations in oral fluid, including calcium, phosphate balance, and lysozyme activity. It also evaluates the relationship between metabolic disorders in diabetes and the progression of dental diseases. The findings indicate that reduced salivary flow, increased viscosity, and altered mineral composition impair the protective and regenerative functions of saliva. These changes contribute to the high prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, and fungal infections observed in diabetic patients. In addition, elevated inflammatory mediators further aggravate oral tissue damage and complicate disease management. The results highlight that oral fluid serves as a valuable diagnostic medium due to its non-invasive, accessible, and informative nature. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating dental examination into diabetes management and promoting preventive oral care. The findings suggest that salivary diagnostics can improve early detection, monitoring, and treatment outcomes in patients with diabetes mellitus.