14 Jul Diabetes Alters Oral Microbiome Leading to Periodontal Disease
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Graves
Dana T. Graves DDS
Department of Periodontics
School of Dental Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: It was previously thought that diabetes did not have a significant effect on oral bacteria. We found that diabetes caused a change in the composition of the oral bacteria. This change caused resulted in a bacterial composition that was more pathogenic and stimulated more inflammation in the gums and greater loss of bone around the teeth.
MedicalResearch.com: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: Periodontal disease is closely linked to diabetes. Both type1 and type2 diabetes increases the risk and severity of periodontitis, an irreversible form of periodontal disease where bone that supports the tooth is lost due to bacteria-induced infection. The degree to which diabetes affects periodontal disease is directly linked to the level of glycemic control, particularly if HbA1c is greater than 9.
Our study underscores the fact that diabetes alters the microbiome to make it more pathogenic. Thus, diabetic individuals need to pay particular attention to their oral hygiene and maintain good plaque control.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: Would like to carry out similar studies in humans.
No disclosures
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Citation: E Xiao, Marcelo Mattos, Gustavo Henrique Apolinário Vieira, Shanshan Chen, Jôice Dias Corrêa, Yingying Wu, Mayra Laino Albiero, Kyle Bittinger, Dana T. Graves. Diabetes Enhances IL-17 Expression and Alters the Oral Microbiome to Increase Its Pathogenicity. Cell Host & Microbe, 2017; 22 (1): 120 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2017.06.014
Note: Content is Not intended as medical advice. Please consult your health care provider regarding your specific medical condition and questions.
Last Updated on July 14, 2017 by Marie Benz MD FAAD