Public Health Implications of Chronic Periodontal Infections in Adults
Diabetes and Periodontal Disease: Important Gaps in Knowledge and
Methodological Issues
George W. Taylor, DDS,
PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Cardiology, Restorative Sciences,
and Endodontics, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, Michigan
This presentation reviews evidence for interrelationships between
diabetes and periodontal diseases based on the body of knowledge in the
post-1960 English-language literature.
The review of adverse effects of diabetes on periodontal health is
restricted to those studies comparing periodontal health in subjects with and
without diabetes. Review of adverse effects of periodontal infection on glycemic control will include reports of periodontal treatment studies and
follow-up observational studies in which changes in glycemic control could
be assessed. Observational studies reporting adverse effects of diabetes on
periodontal health provide consistent evidence of greater prevalence,
severity, extent, or progression of at least one manifestation of
periodontal diseases in the large majority of reports. No studies with
superior design features to refute this association have been identified.
Reports of several treatment studies provide direct evidence to support
periodontal infections having an adverse, yet modifiable, effect on
glycemic control. However, not all investigations have reported improvement
in glycemic control after periodontal treatment. Additional evidence to
support the effect of severe periodontitis on increased risk for poorer
glycemic control comes from follow-up observational studies.
The evidence reviewed supports viewing the relationship between diabetes
and periodontal diseases as bi-directional. Studies of biologic mechanisms
of these interrelationships and intervention trials to further substantiate
that treating periodontal infection improves glycemic control
will further our understanding of this two-way relationship.
Back to Chronic Periodontal Infections Conference
Historical Document
Page last reviewed: February 2, 2005
Content source:
Division of Oral Health,
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and
Health Promotion |
