Periodontal
Therapy Helps Patients with Type 2 Diabetes
[Submitted
by Dr Andreas Siebold on 8 November, 2006 ]
Japanese
researchers find oxidative stress levels lower to those of nondiabetic
patients
CHICAGO- Patients with Type 2 diabetes
and periodontal disease who receive periodontal therapy see levels of
oxidative stress, a condition in which antioxidant levels are lower than
normal, reduced to the same levels as nondiabetic patients, according to
a new study that appeared in the November issue of the Journal of
Periodontology (JOP).
Researchers from Kyushu Dental College in Kitakyushu, Japan investigated
the impact of periodontal therapy on patients with Type 2 diabetes, as
compared to nondiabetic patients. They found that periodontal therapy
decreased lipid peroxide (LPO), an oxidative stress index, in diabetic
patients.
"Our research emphasized one of the benefits of having periodontal
therapy for patients with diabetes," said Dr. Kazuo Sonoki, M.D.
PhD at Kyushu Dental College, one of the study authors. "However,
this was just a preliminary study and more research should be conducted
to evaluate how periodontal disease affects both people with and without
diabetes."
It has been found that diabetes and periodontal disease can lead to
atherosclerosis, which occurs when deposits of fatty substances,
cholesterol, and other substances build up in the inner lining of an
artery. This buildup is called plaque. It has been thought that
oxidative stress is linked to heart disease because oxidation of LDL
(low-density lipoprotein) in the endothelium is a precursor to plaque
formation. Recently, oxidative stress has emerged as an important factor
for atherosclerosis in patients with diabetes.
"We hear every day about how more and more people are being
diagnosed with diabetes," said Preston D. Miller, DDS and AAP
President. "This research confirms that patients with diabetes
should be especially conscious of their periodontal health. While more
research needs to be done to evaluate the relationship between
periodontal disease and diabetes, we do know that treating periodontal
diseases can save teeth, and can promote overall health."
For more information including referral to a periodontist or a free
brochure entitled Diabetes & Periodontal Diseases, visit the AAP Web
site at http://www.perio.org or call
toll-free at 800/FLOSS-EM (800.356.7736).
The American Academy of Periodontology is an 8,000-member association=
of dental professionals specializing in the prevention, diagnosis and
treatment of diseases affecting the gums and supporting structures of
the teeth and in the placement and maintenance of dental implants.
Periodontics is one of nine dental specialties recognized by the
American Dental Association.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Kerry Gutshall
The American Academy of Periodontology
Phone: 312.573.3243
Fax: 312.573.3234
http://www.perio.org
EDITOR'S NOTE: A copy of the JOP article "Decreased lipid
peroxidation following periodontal therapy in type 2 diabetic
patients" is available to the media by contacting the AAP Public
Affairs Department at 312/573-3243. The public and/or non-AAP members
can view a study abstract online, and the full-text of the study may be
accessed online for $20.00 at http://www.joponline.org/
