Periodontitis and diabetes mellitus-a two way relationship.

ABSTRACT

Periodontal disease (PD) and diabetes mellitus (DM) hold a consistent relationship. DM not only increases the risk of having PD and with that its prevalence, but it also augments the progression of more aggressive and quickly defining signs. There is a bidirectional relationship between DM and PD. The treatment of periodontitis in diabetic patients favors a reduction in mediators responsible for the destruction of periodontal tissue and decreases with it, resistance to insulin. PD is characterized by low grade chronic inflammation that may remain silent in diabetics causing damage that is not locally limited but may extend systemically. Our aim of this article is to make aware, both general dental and medical practioner about interrelationship between periodontal disease and diabetes with special emphasis on importance of mutual consultation between the two fraternity, which in turn significantly contributes to general well being of an individual.