THE BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND DIABETES MELLITUS: IMPACTS ON ORAL AND SYSTEMIC HEALTH

Abstract

This study aims to discuss the close relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. Epidemiological research shows that diabetes increases the risk and severity of periodontal disease, and that when left untreated, it can interfere with the glycemic control of diabetic patients. The problem is: What are the impacts that the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus has on oral and systemic health? Analyzing this context, the present study was guided by the general objective of analyzing the bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus and the impacts of this relationship on oral and systemic health. The specific objectives were to identify the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of periodontal disease associated with diabetes mellitus; understand the impact of diabetes mellitus on periodontal health; investigate the impact of periodontal disease on diabetes mellitus; and evaluate the effectiveness of periodontal therapy in the glycemic control of diabetic patients. This methodology consists of an exploratory bibliographic research conducted using a qualitative approach. The databases used for consultation were SciELO, LILACS via BVS and PubMed, scientific articles, doctoral theses, relevant books and websites. Finally, the results of this study strongly suggest a bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus, where diabetes is a risk factor for periodontal disease and, in turn, periodontal disease impairs glycemic control, with periodontal therapy as an adjuvant in the metabolic control of diabetic patients.