Diabetes mellitus associated desquamative gingivitis – A case series

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with an increased risk of developing oral diseases like periodontal disease, oral candidiasis, dental caries, salivary gland hypofunction, sialosis, and taste impairment. The term desquamative gingivitis (DG) refers to clinical manifestation that can be caused by immune mediated disorders. The correlation between DM and DG yet to be established. Herewith presenting a case series of patients with Diabetes mellitus and desquamative gingivitis which opens up a new field of research to find out a correlation between DG and DM. Four patients who had reported with c/o burning sensation in gums presenting as DG with past medical history of Diabetes mellitus were diagnosed as Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and Oral lichen planus (OLP). Based upon their clinical and histopathological findings they were treated. All patients had remission of symptoms while treatment and symptomatic outbreaks were rapid and delayed when diabetes was uncontrolled and controlled respectively and presented as less severe symptoms in 1year follow-up. Results from these case series shows that potential link does exist between uncontrolled DM and DG and also affects treatment outcome. The management of DG in diabetic patient is a multidisciplinary approach. So meticulous and regular monitoring of patient by the diabetologist, dermatalogist and dentists is required. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Desquamative gingivitis, Mucocutaneous disorders