Diabetes mellitus and odontogenic infections--an exaggerated risk?

INTRODUCTION: The diabetic host is considered to be at an increased risk for the development of odontogenic infections due to his medically compromised state. This perceived risk of higher infections often results in dentists delaying much-needed surgical treatment in this patient population. DISCUSSION: A critical examination of literature does not seem to support the role of diabetes mellitus as a definitive risk factor for odontogenic infections. A simplistic extrapolation of infection rates observed in other sites may not be justified in the orofacial region.