Diabetes as a risk factor for periodontal disease: current status and future considerations.
BACKGROUND
Over the past decade, there has been an emerging interest in the interrelationship between systemic conditions and oral health. Diabetes is perhaps one of the best documented conditions that have been closely linked with periodontal disease. This paper reviews the role of diabetes as a risk factor in periodontal disease. The treatment implications in the management of periodontal disease as an integral component of diabetes care is also discussed in light of the current understanding of the pathogenesis of these 2 chronic conditions.


METHODS
Epidemiological, clinical and laboratory studies examining the relationship between diabetes and periodontal diseases were selected from both medical and dental journals.


RESULTS
The severity of periodontal destruction has been shown to be related to the direct and indirect effects of glycaemic control, with other factors also being implicated. Although some studies have pointed towards a bi-directional relationship between glycaemic control and periodontal health, it is still not clear if improvement in periodontal health could lead to improved metabolic control.


CONCLUSIONS
Diabetes and periodontal disease are closely related in many ways, though the effect of periodontal disease on diabetes control remain to be determined, with larger intervention studies. In light of the increasing evidence of the relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease, management of oral health should form an integral part of diabetes management.
Tan
Wah Ching
WC
Department of Restorative Dentistry, National Dental Centre, Singapore.
Tay
Fidelia B K
FB
Lim
Lum Peng
LP
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000187:drug effects; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000517:prevention & control; D012307:Risk Factors
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D001786:Blood Glucose