Diabetes and periodontitis: current approach

Diabetes is described as a systemic disease that manifests itself with many major complications that determine the quality of life. The chronic complications of diabetes have been defined as macro- and microvascular complications. In recent years, periodontitis has also been identified as one of these complications. Diabetes negatively affects oral and dental/gum health. Metabolic disorders in diabetic patients reduce the resistance of gum tissues to infection, thereby increasing the likelihood of gum disease. Impairment of oral and dental/gum health also disrupts blood sugar regulation in diabetic patients. Thus, the negative effect is two-way. The relationship between periodontitis and diabetes has also been observed in many studies. The aim of this study is to provide information about diabetes and periodontitis, explain the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis, and offer the best possible dental care and counseling to diabetic patients based on general dental knowledge.