Abstract
There is a bidirectional relationship for inflammation with periodontal disease and chronic, systemic diseases. The focus of this review specifically includes diabetes because it is a global health problem. Periodontal disease is reversible in the early stages. The benefit of controlling the inflammatory process associated with periodontitis is a reduction in serum levels of inflammatory mediators, which can improve hemoglobin A1c and other microvascular complications of diabetes. Dental practitioners may be the first health care professional to encounter the patient with diabetes and periodontal complications. Having a relationship with primary care providers in the community is essential for the care of these patients. Conversely, primary care providers may not appreciate the implications of bleeding or painful gums, loose teeth, or problems with eating or speaking in this population. Having a relationship with dental care professionals is part of health maintenance for patients with diabetes and other chronic diseases. For patients with chronic diseases like diabetes, a team approach is cost-effective and has beneficial outcomes for this population. There needs to be a paradigm shift in medical, dental, and allied health education along with legislation and reimbursement to foster this beneficial interprofessional collaboration for the care of these patients.
Keywords: diabetes, inflammation, inflammatory process, periodontal disease, periodontitis, gingivitis, interprofessional collaboration
Recommended Citation
O'Hara M, Dixon DA. Health Maintenance: Oral Health for Primary Care. The Role of the Inflammatory Process in Periodontitis and Diabetes. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2025 Aug 08;23(4), Article 2.
