Aim: We investigated the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and periodontal disease (PD) in the context of the current periodontal aetiology model.
Material and methods: In total, 14,747 community residents aged 35-44 years were invited to a community-based PD survey between 2003 and 2006 using the community periodontal index. Significant factors modifying the association between T2DM and PD were ascertained. We further assessed the association between T2DM and the risk for PD, within strata of significant effect modifiers, after controlling for other putative factors.
Results: The prevalence rate was 10% higher in subjects with T2DM than in those without. After controlling for significant factors, T2DM was positively associated with the risk for PD (adjusted odds ratio=1.34,95% confidence interval: 1.07-1.74). The results of interaction assessment showed that only the waist was identified as a statistically significant effect modifier for such a positive association.
Conclusions: The association between T2DM and the risk for PD among young adult was demonstrated. This finding, together with other aetiological factors, fit with the current hypothesized model of the aetiology of periodontitis. However, the effect of T2DM modified by waist measurement should be verified in future studies.