Scaling and Root Planing May Improve Glycemic Control

Results of a randomized controlled trial conducted in Spain found that scaling and root planing may offer significant oral health benefits to patients with type 2 diabetes. The study, “Benefits of Nonsurgical Periodontal Treatment in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus And Chronic Periodontitis: a Randomized Controlled Trial,” was published in the January issue of the Journal of Clinical Periodontology.

The trial included 90 participants with type 2 diabetes; 45 received scaling and root planing in addition to oral health education while the other half (control group) received prophylaxes and oral health education. The group that received the scaling and root planing showed improved HbA1C levels and fasting plasma glucose while the control group did not experience either of these benefits.

From Dimensions of Dental Hygiene. March 2018;16(3):10.