DIABETES - A RISK FACTOR FOR PERIODONTITIS IN ADULTS

WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF DIABETICS in an aging population and con troversial research reports on the relationship of diabetes to periodo ntitis, clarification of diabetes as a risk factor for periodontitis w ould be helpful. This review notes variations in type, metabolic contr ol, and duration of diabetes and highlights the results of studies tha t have considered these variations. Diabetics who maintained reasonabl y good metabolic control had not lost more teeth or experienced more p eriodontal attachment loss than non-diabetics, although they had more periodontal pockets. Poorly-controlled diabetics with extensive calcul us on their teeth had more periodontitis and tooth loss than well-cont rolled diabetics or non-diabetics. Long-duration diabetics were also a t greater risk for periodontitis. Mechanisms by which diabetes may con tribute to periodontitis include vascular changes, neutrophil dysfunct ion, altered collagen synthesis, and genetic predisposition. Minimizin g plaque and calculus in the oral cavity through careful self-care and regular professional care is important to reduce the risk of periodon titis in diabetics.