Periodontal treatment and its effects on glycemic control - A review of the evidence

Persisting poor glycemic control has been shown to be associated with the i ncidence and progression of diabetes-related complications. The bulk of ora l health-related research has focused on the impact of diabetes on periodon tal health, yet there are several lines of evidence to support the plausibi lity of the notion that periodontal infections contribute to problems with glycemic control. This article reviews the body of English-language literat ure containing reports of clinical research that has considered the relatio nship between treatment of periodontal diseases and improvement in glycemic control in humans. Although there is supportive clinical and epidemiologic evidence, equivocal and contrary evidence also exists. It is concluded fro m this review that the quantity, breadth, and strength of evidence-based kn owledge are currently insufficient to establish periodontal therapy as infl uential in improving glycemic control in either type 1 or type 2 diabetes. Further rigorous, systematic study of the effects of treating periodontal i nfection on glycemic control is warranted.