Periodontal Therapy -- an Adjuvant for Glycemic Control

Aims: Periodontitis is an oral infection affecting the tooth- supporting tissues. Although the prime etiology for this condition is bacterial plaque, the host immune response also has substantial contribution to the destruction of the periodontal apparatus. Periodontitis elicits a "low grade systemic inflammation". Diabetes mellitus is intricately related to the development, progression and severity of periodontitis. The literature is abundant with studies depicting this association. Periodontal therapy (PT) involves removal of bacterial component leading to the resolution of clinical signs and symptoms of disease. This review aims to create awareness amongst the medical professionals regarding the two-way relationship between diabetes and periodontitis, emphasizing on the positive effects of PT.

Material And Methods: Studies addressing the effects of PT on glycemic control in type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) subjects were identified using PubMed search with key search terms such as "Glycemic control", "Periodontitis", "Periodontal therapy", "Type 2 diabetes mellitus". The review has been prepared by screening PUBMED database from January 1990 to March 2012.

Results: PT bears an unexplored potential and can serve as an adjuvant to the conventional treatment for diabetes.

Conclusion: A major conclusion of this review is that PT instituted in type 2 diabetic human subjects assists in amelioration of the inflammatory biomarker levels and glycemic status. There is a wide scope for further studies to highlight the beneficial effects of PT in diabetic subjects and the dire need for periodontal screening of these individuals for glycemic maintenance.