The effect of Xerostomia in diabetes mellitus patients on the incidence of dry socket after tooth extraction: A literature review

Background: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disorder caused by the absence of insulin hormone production or lack of response to insulin. Diabetes mellitus can cause complications such as caries, periodontal disease, and xerostomia. Xerostomia is associated with low salivary flow which can cause several additional complications. Objective: To determine the effect of xerostomia, a complication in patients with diabetes mellitus, on the incidence of dry sockets after tooth extraction. Method: The method used in this study is a Literature Review, which searches three different journal databases, using the search terms "xerostomia" OR "diabetes mellitus" AND "tooth extraction" OR "dry socket." Results: It shows that there is an effect between the occurrence of xerostomia in patients with diabetes mellitus and the incidence of dry sockets after tooth extraction. Discussion: In patients with diabetes mellitus, saliva production can decrease due to nerve and blood vessel damage caused by glucose metabolism disorders in the body. This can reduce the quality and increase the viscosity of saliva, making the wound-healing process after tooth extraction more difficult. Xerostomia in patients with diabetes mellitus can worsen the dry socket condition because of the lack of moisture in the oral cavity, which can affect the blood clotting process after tooth extraction. If the blood clot dislodges, it can cause a dry socket in xerostomia patients. Conclusion: Dry socket in diabetic patients with xerostomia is thought to be due to low saliva production which interferes with wound healing after tooth extraction.