Diagnostic Approaches to Dental Caries in Patients With Diabetes Mellitus: A Concise Review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) alters the oral environment through hyposalivation, salivary acidification, and microbial shifts, which changes how dental caries should be diagnosed in this group. This concise review summarizes clinical, optical, and laboratory methods used to detect and assess caries in diabetic patients. Visual-tactile indices (DMFT/DMFS, ICDAS) remain the diagnostic backbone, while fluorescence-based devices (DIAGNOdent, QLF) and salivary/glycemic markers (flow rate, pH, HbA1c) add sensitivity for early lesions and disease-specific risk. A combined clinical–instrumental–laboratory protocol offers earlier, more accurate diagnosis than visual examination alone.