What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a prospective clinical study with 20 diabetic foot ulcer patients receiving hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO2) to assess its effect on diabetes-related oral complications.
What They Found
They observed a significant decrease in dry mouth, halitosis, and periodontal disease severity, along with healing of candida-related stomatitis and angular cheilitis. The unstimulated salivary flow rate increased to normal limits (0.3-0.4 ml/min) in 6 out of 8 patients who initially had a flow rate less than 0.25 ml/min.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients with diabetes experiencing oral complications like dry mouth, halitosis, or periodontal issues might find symptomatic relief from hyperbaric oxygen therapy. This could potentially improve their oral health and overall quality of life, though more research is needed to confirm definitive benefits.
Canadian Relevance
This study was not conducted in Canada and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
The study's small sample size of 20 patients and the preliminary nature of the findings limit the ability to report a definitive benefit.