Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease in Malta

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is of some importance in dentistry. Its possible role in the etiology of periodontal disease is still under investigation. Lowered tissue resistance to trauma or infection make this type of patient a possible hazard when undertaking oral surgery under local anesthesia. In view of the high incidence of diabetes in Malta, a study of patients attending the Diabetic Clinic, St. Luke's Hospital Malta has been in progress since 1964. The objects of this study had been to ascertain the role of the disease in conditions of the mouth and in the incidence of complications following oral surgical procedures and their prevention. This particular report is restricted to diabetes and periodontal disease. No relationship was shown to exist between duration of diabetes and obesity, as compared with periodontal disease. The periodontal disease in patients under insulin therapy was more severe than in those receiving oral hypoglycemic drugs and least severe in those under dietary control only. Patients with higher levels of fasting or two-hour blood sugar showed a more severe periodontal condition. Patients with a higher incidence of general diabetic complications also manifested higher periodontal disease incidence levels. No relationship between the incidence of "dry socket" following tooth extraction and fasting blood sugar levels could be demonstrated.