Diabetes and oral health

Abstract

Background: Diabetes describes a group of disorders characterized by elevated levels of glucose in the blood and abnormalities of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism. A number of oral diseases and disorders have been associated with diabetes, and periodontitis has been identified as a possible risk factor for poor metabolic control in subjects with diabetes. Methods: This paper reviews the scientific literature to identify oral conditions that have been proposed and are known to be affected by diabetes. The literature has also been examined concerning periodontitis as a modifier of glycemic control. Results: Although a number of oral disorders have been associated with diabetes, the data support the fact that periodontitis is a complication of diabetes. Patients with long-standing, poorly controlled diabetes are at risk of developing candidiasis, and the evidence indicates that periodontitis is a risk factor for poor glycemic control and the development of other clinical complications of diabetes. Conclusions: Diabetes is an important health care problem. The evidence suggests that oral health care, specifically in relation to periodontal diseases, can have a significant, positive effect on the oral as well as general health of patients with diabetes mellitus.