RESUMO
BACKGROUND: We evaluated the periodontal conditions in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared to metabolically healthy controls, and determined whether periodontal interleukin genotypes and microorganisms differed between participants with and without type 2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: From April 2011 to July 2012, we prospectively enrolled healthy controls and patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Evaluation included assessment of medical and periodontal findings. We also recorded the presence of several interleukin gene variants and specific microorganisms, both available through commercially available diagnostic kits. Statistical significance was tested by the chi-square test and student's t-test. RESULTS: We enrolled 52 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 52 healthy controls. Compared with controls, periodontal disease was significantly more severe in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus for the following: plaque index, bleeding on probing, pocket probing depth, clinical attachment loss, severe periodontal destruction (i.e., clinical attachment loss ≥ 5 mm), and number of teeth. However, statistical analysis failed to detect significant differences with respect to the periodontal-related interleukin genotypes (p ≥ 0.58) or the selected oral microbiota (p ≥ 0.15). CONCLUSION: Based on these results, it may be assumed that chronic periodontitis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus is most strongly associated with inadequate oral hygiene. Periodontal interleukin genotypes and differences in oral microbiota seem to play a subordinate role.