Progression of Periodontitis and Tooth Loss Associated with Glycemic Control in Individuals Undergoing Periodontal Maintenance Therapy: A 5‐Year Follow‐Up Study

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies that investigated the influence of glycemic control in the progression of periodontitis and tooth loss during periodontal maintenance therapy (PMT) programs have not previously been reported. The aim of the present study is to evaluate associations between glycemic control status and progression of periodontitis and tooth loss among individuals during PMT. METHODS: A total of 92 individuals, all recruited from a prospective cohort with 238 participants undergoing PMT, participated in this study. Diabetes control was assessed according to percentage of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Individuals were matched for sex and smoking and were divided into three groups: 23 individuals with diabetes and poor glycemic control (PGC), 23 individuals with diabetes and good glycemic control (GGC), and 46 controls with no diabetes (NDC). Full-mouth periodontal examination, including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level, was performed at all PMT visits during a 5-year interval. RESULTS: Progression of periodontitis and tooth loss were significantly higher among PGC compared to GGC and NDC. The final logistic model in the final examination included: 1) for the progression of periodontitis, HbA1c ≥6.5% (odds ratio [OR] = 2.9), smoking (OR = 3.7), and BOP in >30% of sites (OR = 4.1); and 2) for tooth loss, HbA1c ≥6.5% (OR = 3.1), smoking (OR = 4.1), and PD 4 to 6 mm in ≤10% of sites (OR = 3.3). CONCLUSIONS: PGC individuals, especially smokers, presented with a higher progression of periodontitis and tooth loss compared to NDC and GGC individuals. This result highlights the influence of glycemic control in maintaining a good periodontal status.