Benefits of non‐surgical periodontal treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and chronic periodontitis: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and diabetes are highly prevalent conditions whose association has long been recognized. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal treatment on serum HbA1c (haemoglobin A1c or glycated haemoglobin) levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a 6-month, single-masked, randomized clinical trial based on 90 patients (HbA1c: 7.7% (61 mmol/mol) ± 1.13%) who were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (oral hygiene instructions + scaling and root planing using ultrasound and Gracey curettes) or the control group (oral hygiene instructions + supragingival removal of plaque and calculus using ultrasound). Pocket depth, gingival index, and plaque index were assessed at baseline and after 3 and 6 months together with determinations of fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c, and bacterial counts. RESULTS: Treatment significantly improved the periodontal and metabolic parameters (p < .05), whereas in the control group no improvement was observed. These results were consistent with the bacteriological results in most but not all cases. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical periodontal treatment resulted in a better glycaemic status of type 2 diabetes patients and demonstrated the importance of oral health in their general health.