Periodontal disease and diabetes

Abstract

Introduction: Periodontal diseases and diabetes are both chronic conditions that significantly affect public health. Individuals with diabetes tend to have a weakened immune system, which increases the likelihood of developing periodontal diseases. Periodontal disease affects the tissues surrounding the teeth, including the bone, cementum, soft tissues, and periodontal ligaments. This review focuses on two major types of diabetes: Type 1, which is described as a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by insulin deficiency and resultant hyperglycemia, and Type 2, which is a non-insulin-dependent form of diabetes. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either fails to produce insulin or the insulin produced is ineffective.

Objectives: The aim of this review is to assess the association and correlation between diabetes and periodontal diseases, specifically focusing on the correlation between Type 1 diabetes and periodontal diseases, as well as the correlation between Type 2 diabetes and periodontal diseases.

Materials and Methods: The search for relevant studies was conducted using Medline and PubMed databases. To refine the search, an advanced search strategy was used: (((periodontal diseases) AND (diabetes type 1)) OR (periodontal diseases)) AND (diabetes type 2). Additional filters were applied, including articles published in the last five years, in English, with full-text access, and human studies only.

Results: A total of 16 articles were selected for review. Of these, 5 articles focused on the relationship between periodontal diseases and Type 1 diabetes, while 11 articles examined the correlation between periodontal diseases and Type 2 diabetes.

Discussion: While some contradictions were found in the literature, the overall findings indicate a clear association between diabetes and periodontal diseases. Diabetes leads to heightened inflammation in periodontal tissues, which, in turn, increases the risk of developing periodontal diseases. Both types of diabetes appear to exacerbate the severity of gum disease, with individuals suffering from diabetes being more susceptible to periodontal complications.

Conclusion: There is a significant correlation between these two chronic diseases. Individuals with diabetes are more prone to developing periodontal diseases. The challenge now lies in understanding how best to manage, create new treatment protocols, and prevent the onset of periodontal diseases in diabetic patients.