Bridging the gap: dental interventions for improved glycemic control in diabetic patients: A systematic review of published studies
Pharmacy Practice
Aseel Alotaibi2PharmD student, Princess Nourah University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Ghaida Alqahtani1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Shouq Alqahtani1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Taif Almutairi1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lama Alruhaimi1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Nusaybah Alsohibani2PharmD student, Princess Nourah University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Lamis Alshehri1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Danah Bajunayd1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Shaden Alharbi1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Salma Alsahli1PharmD student, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Arwa Alhamed3General Dentist, AlFarbi Medical College, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Rahaf Abdulaziz4College of Medicine and Surgery, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia.
Nahaia Alnaiem5Dental Department, Second Health Cluster, North Riyadh Dental Complex, Saudi Arabia.
Wejdan Alharthi5Dental Department, Second Health Cluster, North Riyadh Dental Complex, Saudi Arabia.
Aminah Alanazi6Medical Affairs, Riyadh Health Cluster I - Executive Management for Excellence in Community Health - Co-Executive Management for Medical Affairs - Management, Saudi Arabia.
Background: Diabetes poses an increased risk for oral health complications like periodontal disease and candidiasis. Proper dental management can help reduce these risks and support medical glycemic control. Methods: A systematic search of 5 databases was conducted from 2013 to 2023. Included studies evaluated interventions or assessed relationships between dental care and diabetes outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened titles/abstracts and full-texts, extracted data, and assessed risk of bias. Results: An initial search found 895 records, of which 48 were duplicates and 79 were excluded after title/abstract screening. 284 studies underwent full-text review, with 145 excluded for not meeting criteria. 10 studies ultimately met all inclusion criteria. Current evidence establishes periodontitis as a risk factor for worsening diabetes and complications. Periodontal therapy helps manage glycemic control and is most effective with intensive follow-up support. Diabetes increases oral candidiasis risk. Maintaining optimal blood glucose levels reduces periodontal disease prevalence. Conclusion: Current evidence indicates periodontal therapy positively impacts glycemic control in diabetics and intensive follow-up may maximize benefits. Diabetes increases susceptibility to oral candidiasis. Curricula changes equip future dentists to coordinate care considering patients' medical needs.
