Clinical, statistical, histological and immunohistochemical aspects of periodontal changes in patients with diabetes mellitus.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Both diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease are the most widespread chronic inflammatory diseases that affect a very large number of the population worldwide. AIM: This study's aim was to compare the status of dental hygiene in a group of patients with DM, with patients in the control group, and to histologically analyzing the gum from the subjects with DM. PATIENTS, MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample was made up of 53 control subjects and 107 diabetics aged 19-80 years old. We evaluated the following parameters the plaque index (PI) and the calculus index (CI), according to Simplified Oral Hygiene Index, and the gingival index (GI), according to the Löe & Silness criterion, correlated with glycosylated hemoglobin and the blood sugar levels. RESULTS: For all hygiene indices, the mean values recorded for the control group were significantly lower than the mean values recorded for any sub-category in the diabetic groups. CONCLUSIONS: DM contributes unfavorably to the evolution of periodontal disease. The poor glycemic control and the improper oral hygiene have a negative impact on the health of the periodontium, highlighted by increased scores on PI, CI and GI scales.