THE ROLE OF DIABETES MELLITUS IN PERIODONTAL DISEASE AND RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATHOGENESIS – THE DENTIST’S POINT OF VIEW

September 1, 2012

Croitoru G. Al., Tilișcan C., Mihai Carmen Marina, Aramă Victoria, Ion Daniela, Aramă Şt. S.
”Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania

Abstract

Periodontal disease requires the existence of particular periodontopathogens in the gingival sulcus, which determine the destruction of periodontal ligaments, gingival desinsertion and bone lysis. In diabetic patients the healing mechanisms are impaired as a result of increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Recent studies report that reduction of oral inflammatory processes in patients with diabetes mellitus determines a decrease of serum inflammatory mediators while the aggravation of periodontal disease may worsen diabetes mellitus evolution. Also, the prevalence of periodontal disease is known to be higher in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Periodontitis may be associated with a negative response to therapy in some rheumatoid arthritis patients.