Salivary Alkaline Phosphatase as a Noninvasive Marker for Periodontal Disease in Children with Uncontrolled Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether salivary alkaline phosphatase levels can be a non invasive marker for early inflammatory periodontal disease in children with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: 10 healthy children (group 1), 10 children with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus (group 2) and 10 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus for more than 4 years (group 3) were recruited for the study. All three groups were matched for age, gender and socioeconomic status. Periodontal health was assessed by plaque index, gingival index and probing pocket depth. Metabolic status was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin levels, salivary alkaline phosphatase levels were determined by spectrophotometer. Data was analyzed by Kruskal Wallis ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U test and Spearman's rank correlation method. RESULTS: Salivary alkaline phosphatase levels correlated significantly with the periodontal parameters in the diabetic group. An increase in salivary alkaline phosphatase levels increased with increased values of gingival index and probing pocket depth. Group 3 showed greater correlation than group 2 and group 1. At p value p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The glycemic status of the children affects the periodontal disease parameters. Salivary alkaline phosphatase levels could be a useful tool in analyzing periodontal status of children with uncontrolled type I diabetes mellitus.

Effect of full-mouth disinfection on insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes patients with and without chronic periodontitis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of full-mouth disinfection (FMD) on glycemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). METHOD AND MATERIALS: Sixty dentate patients who were never-smokers with type 2 diabetes mellitus were recruited for the study. Based on clinical examination they were divided into two groups: one with chronic periodontitis and the other without chronic periodontitis. Periodontal parameters Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and probing pocket depth (PPD) were evaluated. Blood samples were assessed for the levels of fasting glucose (FG), insulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP), and insulin glucose ratio was calculated using a mathematical equation (HOMA-IR). All parameters were assessed at baseline, and at 3 months and 6 months after FMD. RESULTS: The results showed a significant reduction in PI, GI, PPD, FG, and HOMA-IR from baseline to 6 months. The CRP levels were constant throughout the study period. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the present study it can be concluded that FMD contributes to significant reduction in insulin resistance, thereby improving the glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients.

Dental manifestation of primary idiopathic hypoparathyroidism.

Idiopathic hypoparathyroidism (IHP) is a rare endocrinopathic disorder, of idiopathic nature, characterized by a deficiency of parathyroid hormone causing low serum calcium (Ca) and high serum phosphorus concentrations. We present a case report ofa 40-year-old woman with complaint of bleeding gums and tingling sensation in fingers and toes reported to our department in March 2005 with no tangible diagnosis from previous medical examinations. Oral findings included abnormally short roots, cemental hyperplasia, widening of the periodontal ligament space and root resorption. Laboratory investigations revealed a low serum Ca level and along with the clinical findings, a diagnosis of IHP was reached. Oral prophylaxis was performed and Ca supplements were prescribed. We believe that this case report is a first of its kind reporting cemental hyperplasia, altered alveolar bone patterns and periodontal ligament widening in a patient with IHP.

Status of association studies linking diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease in India.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and periodontal disease / periodontitis (PD) is high, and the association of these two as risk factors influencing each other has been recognized and is extensively documented. However, a majority of these association studies have been done in developed countries and / or in developing countries other than India. OBJECTIVE: To review, quantify and qualify the status of the published indexed scientific literature regarding the bidirectional association of DM and PD in India. METHOD: An internet search of the literature was conducted to examine relevant association studies of DM and PD in India. As a matter of interest, the related articles were searched manually from one non-indexed national (India) publication of periodontology until October 2008. Specific focus was on indexed literature and only these were considered for the review. RESULT: Eleven pertinent indexed publications addressing the concern with regard to population in India were identified. Most of them were in agreement with the accepted mechanisms involving these two diseases, but more supported a unidirectional view of interaction, that is, advocating the role of DM in a worsened periodontal condition. One study with an opposite view was recognised. CONCLUSION: The paucity of such research in India, which will be a hub of diabetics in the near future, reflects the need to make available a strong body of evidence in the indexed literature relating not only to DM and its 'sixth complication', PD, but also the strong influence of PD on DM.