Effect of Periodontal Therapy on Glycemic Control in Diabetic Patients: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus and periodontitis are diseases of high prevalence. These two diseases are also related with each other. Periodontal therapies have already become a part of the treatment for glycemic control; however the benefits of different periodontal therapies are unclear. In the first phase of this study, we performed a systematic review of the current randomized controlled trials for the benefits of periodontal therapies. In the second phase, we analyzed the evidence for the benefits of periodontal therapies (serum HbA1c, fructosamine, periodontal pocket depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, plaque index, gingival index, C-reaction protein, and gingival crevicular fluid volume). In the third phase, we reported safety issues (total withdrawals, withdrawal due to serious adverse effects, serious adverse events and common adverse effects). In general, most included studies were poorly reported. Additional high-quality research studies into benefits of periodontal therapies are needed.