To study about taste of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients, we investigated 77 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 71 control subjects. All subjects underwent interview, oral examination and electrogustometric examination on apex, lateral middle and near circumvallate papilla areas on right side of the tongue. According to interview data and results of oral examination, we classified all subjects by following creteria. (denture wear, sensation of dry mouth, tongue surface change, oral mucosal pathologic condition and total number of teeth ≶20, ≥20)
According to these criteria, we found higher frequency of denture wear, sensation of dry mouth, tongue surface change, oral mucosal pathologic condition in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients than control subjects. In comparison, the electrical taste threshold between type 2 diabetes mellitus patients and control subjects was significant on apex of the tongue only. Also, the electrical taste threshold of subjects with oral mucosal pathologic condition and lower 20 number of teeth was significant on apex and lateral middle area of the tongue.
As a results, we know that the oral mucosal pathologic condition and total number of teeth is important factors in taste change of type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.
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