DIABETES AND PERIODONTAL DISEASE - A BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIP

Diabetes and Periodontal diseases are the most prevalent metabolic disorders around the globe. The high blood glucose in Diabetes Mellitus impairs the functioning of the major systems of the body like cardiovascular system and increases the body's susceptibility to infections. Periodontal diseases are caused by bacterial infection of oral cavity and affect the periodontium (alveolar bone, periodontal ligament) which comprises the supporting structure of the tooth. The exact mechanism by which Diabetes and Periodontal disease negatively impact each other is not clearly understood but it may be attributed to altered immune response affecting activity of the Neutrophils, Macrophages, and Monocytes. Hence this review focuses on how essential it is for the medical and dental practitioner to work hand in hand to keep both of these disorders at bay.