Mirka C. Niskanen

Metabolic Syndrome, Periodontal Infection, and Dental Caries

Only a few studies have examined the association of metabolic syndrome with periodontal infection and dental caries. The aim in this study was to examine the association of metabolic syndrome with periodontal infection and dental caries using the European Group for the Study of Insulin Resistance (EGIR) definition and its separate components. This study population consisted of dentate, non-diabetic individuals aged 30 to 64 years (N = 2050) who had never smoked. Relative risks (RR) were estimated with Poisson regression models. Metabolic syndrome was associated with teeth with deepened periodontal pockets 4 mm deep or deeper [adjusted RR 1.19 (95% CI 1.01-1.42)], with pockets 6 mm deep or deeper [adjusted RR 1.50 (95% CI 0.96-2.36)], and carious teeth [adjusted RR 1.25 (95% CI 0.93-1.70)]. The results suggest that metabolic syndrome or some of its components are associated weakly with periodontal infection.

Metabolic control as a modifier of the association between salivary factors and dental caries among diabetic patients.

The aim here was to analyze the role of metabolic control as a modifier of the association of salivary factors with dental caries among diabetic patients. Cross-sectional data were gathered from 149 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients by means of clinical examination, a quantitative questionnaire and patient records. Dental caries was measured as the number of decayed surfaces. The data were analyzed using negative binomial regression models. HbA1c level appeared not to be associated with dental caries. Of the salivary factors, only high levels of mutans streptococci (MS) and lactobacilli were associated with dental caries. Among the subjects with HbA1c ≧8.5, the presence of dental caries was more distinctly associated with higher levels of MS (RR = 3.86, CI: 1.39–11.96) and lactobacilli (RR = 3.59, CI: 1.44–9.33) compared to those with HbA1c <8.5. It can be concluded that poor glycemic control strengthens the positive association of MS and lactobacilli with dental caries.

Insulin sensitivity and periodontal infection in a non‐diabetic, non‐smoking adult population

AIM The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association of insulin sensitivity with periodontal infection in a non-diabetic, non-smoking adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey (effective n=2050) consisted of dentate subjects without any indication of diabetes, aged between 30 and 64, and who had never smoked. The outcome variable was periodontal infection measured by means of the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. Insulin sensitivity was measured using the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS We found that insulin sensitivity was associated with periodontal infection in the age group 30-49, but not in persons aged 50-64. Controlling for body weight made the association between insulin sensitivity and periodontal infection disappear. CONCLUSION The lack of knowledge of the underlying causal model prevents making definite conclusions about the role of reduced insulin sensitivity in the pathogenesis of periodontal infection.

Prevalence and simultaneous occurrence of periodontitis and dental caries

AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and simultaneous occurrence of periodontal disease and dental caries in Finnish adults. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed as part of the nationally representative Health 2000 Survey. The study population was 5255 subjects aged 30 years and older. Probing pocket depth (PPD) and untreated dentinal caries were recorded by tooth. Teeth with PPD 4mm and deeper indicated periodontal disease, and teeth with PPD 6mm and deeper indicated a severe periodontal disease. RESULTS Sixty-four percent of persons had periodontal disease, 21% had a severe periodontal disease, and 29% had dental caries. Persons having periodontal disease had significantly more often dental caries (33%) compared with those without periodontal disease (23%). This was even more evident in persons having severe periodontal disease (44%). Accordingly, persons having dental caries had significantly more often severe periodontal disease (31%) compared with those without dental caries (16%). The mean number of teeth with dental caries or periodontal disease per person was greater when the mean number of teeth with the other disease was also greater. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that especially severe periodontal disease and dental caries tend to accumulate in the same subjects.

Insulin sensitivity and periodontal infection in a non-diabetic, non-smoking adult population

AIM The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association of insulin sensitivity with periodontal infection in a non-diabetic, non-smoking adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey (effective n=2050) consisted of dentate subjects without any indication of diabetes, aged between 30 and 64, and who had never smoked. The outcome variable was periodontal infection measured by means of the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. Insulin sensitivity was measured using the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS We found that insulin sensitivity was associated with periodontal infection in the age group 30-49, but not in persons aged 50-64. Controlling for body weight made the association between insulin sensitivity and periodontal infection disappear. CONCLUSION The lack of knowledge of the underlying causal model prevents making definite conclusions about the role of reduced insulin sensitivity in the pathogenesis of periodontal infection.

Insulin sensitivity and periodontal infection in a non-diabetic, non-smoking adult population: Insulin sensitivity and periodontitis

AIM The aim of this study was to examine whether there is an association of insulin sensitivity with periodontal infection in a non-diabetic, non-smoking adult population. MATERIALS AND METHODS A subpopulation of the Health 2000 Survey (effective n=2050) consisted of dentate subjects without any indication of diabetes, aged between 30 and 64, and who had never smoked. The outcome variable was periodontal infection measured by means of the number of teeth with deepened periodontal pockets. Insulin sensitivity was measured using the homeostasis model assessment index for insulin resistance. Poisson regression models were used to estimate the relative risks and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS We found that insulin sensitivity was associated with periodontal infection in the age group 30-49, but not in persons aged 50-64. Controlling for body weight made the association between insulin sensitivity and periodontal infection disappear. CONCLUSION The lack of knowledge of the underlying causal model prevents making definite conclusions about the role of reduced insulin sensitivity in the pathogenesis of periodontal infection.