The Two-Way Relationship between Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontal Disease: A New Insight

Abstract

Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus are two chronic systemic diseases that are intimately connected. A bidirectional relationship exists between the two; to study this unique relationship, they must be studied separately as independent malfunctions and in tandem. Patients that experience these conditions exhibit similar innate immune responses, which lead to aggravated dysfunction of specific body systems. In patients where both conditions exist simultaneously, Diabetes and Periodontal Disease can act in a synchronistic manner, worsening symptoms. In this chapter, the epidemiology of the diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease, presence of biomarkers have been reviewed, and the metabolic syndrome, clinical relevance and treatment modalities, complications of diabetes mellitus, and guidelines for the general dentists, primary care physician, periodontist have been discussed.