Periodontitis/Diabetes Link

Evidence of the link between periodontal disease and diabetes continues to grow, as indicated in a recent article by Robert Finn of Elsevier’s Global Medical News. Diabetes appears to induce periodontal disease or cause it to worsen in some patients, but periodontal disease seems to worsen glycemic control.

Evidence to support this conclusion stems in part from the “Scottsdale Project”.  The project consisted of 18 physicians, dentists, and other independent experts who met in Scottsdale, Arizona in April 2007 to review the strength of evidence for associations among periodontitis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Participants conducted a systematic review of 118 published articles in an attempt to answer eight focused questions. 

Other data comes from analyses of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Read the full article, which contains additional resources, here.

Information on the connection between periodontits and systemic diseases was also discussed in an earlier post on this blog.

Relationship Between Periodontal Disease and Chronic Diseases

The association between periodontal diseases and systemic conditions such as heart disease and stroke, and a higher risk of preterm low birth-weight babies, is garnering attention in the media. Similarly, recognition of the threats posed by periodontal diseases to patients with chronic diseases such as diabetes, respiratory diseases and osteoporosis is acknowledged.

The following are some links to recent stories and resources on these topics:

• Recent publications in PubMed.
• Colgate White Papers:  Markers of Systemic Bacterial Exposure in Periodontal Disease and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
• MedlinePlus: Gum Care Helps Control Type 2 Diabetes and Its Complications , Gum Disease Might Boost Cancer Risk,
• American Academy of Periodontolgy:  The Mouth/Body Connection
• National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse:  Prevent diabetes problems: Keep your teeth and gums healthy
• American Heart Association: Good dental hygiene may help prevent heart infection
• American Dental Association:  Periodontal Disease and Systemic Conditions ; Dentists discuss oral health at landmark meeting

Diabetes Prevention and Dentistry

The National Diabetes Education Program has created a brochure to help dental professionals learn how they can help prevent type 2 diabetes.

View or print the brochure here.