Periodontal disease and diabetes.

Susan Bissett is NIHR Clinical Research Fellow, Newcastle University; Andrew Pumerantz is Associate Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, USA; Philip Preshaw is Professor of Periodontology, Newcastle University. Periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis) are common inflammatory diseases of the supporting structures of the teeth. Periodontitis is the more serious of the two conditions. If untreated, it can lead to destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone, resulting in teeth loosening and eventual loss. Proper oral hygiene is the cornerstone of periodontal disease prevention. People with diabetes have a three-fold increased risk of developing periodontitis compared with those without the condition. This risk is significantly greater in individuals with poor glycaemic control. Many people with diabetes are unaware of this increased risk and may have undetected gingivitis or periodontitis due to the painless nature of the diseases, and diagnosis and treatment in this population is often delayed or absent. Treating periodontal disease may result in improved glycaemic control. There is a need for greater awareness of the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes in both people with diabetes and members of their healthcare delivery teams.