Gestational Diabetes and Periodontal Disease in Trinidad – A pilot study

Ramaa Balkaran

doi:10.48107/cmj2021.04.005

Abstract

Objective To determine the prevalence of periodontitis in patients with and without gestational diabetes in Trinidad. Methods A convenience sample was obtained from antenatal clinic collaborating sites; patients were invited to undergo oral examinations at the School of Dentistry. The basic periodontal examination (BPE) assessed the periodontal disease status in all patients, the examiner was blinded to the GD status. Results There were 65 women who participated in the study, of which 13 had gestational diabetes and 52 did not. The mean age was 34.32 years and 43.1% and 35.4% of participants were Afro-Trinidadian and Indo-Trinidadian respectively. Reversible stages of periodontal disease were present in most participants (63.1%). Signs of severe periodontal disease (BPE scores 3 and 4) were more prevalent in the non-GD group and the Afro-Trinidadian group. Conclusion These data provide the first insight into the periodontal status of patients with and without gestational diabetes. The non-GD group showed a higher prevalence of severe periodontal disease compared to the group with GD.

Highlights

The first appearance of hyperglycaemia during the course of pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes and usually occurs in the last trimester
Signs of severe periodontal disease (BPE scores 3 and 4) were more prevalent in the non-GD group and the AfroTrinidadian group. These data provide the first insight into the periodontal status of patients with and without gestational diabetes
The non-GD group showed a higher prevalence of severe periodontal disease compared to the group with GD

Summary

Introduction

The first appearance of hyperglycaemia during the course of pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes and usually occurs in the last trimester. Of the 20,000 cases occurring in Trinidad and Tobago annually, 1000 cases are pre-gestational and it is estimated that 3 times as many gestational cases are to be expected.[1] Poorly controlled Type 1 or the first appearance of hyperglycaemia during the course of pregnancy is referred to as gestational diabetes (GD) and usually occurs in the last trimester; type 2 Diabetes Mellitus has been shown to be a risk factor for periodontal (gum) disease.[2] Periodontal disease is an inflammatory response by the host to bacterial infection which leads to the destruction of the bone and surrounding tissues.[3] In a local study, high prevalence and severity of periodontal disease were found in the sample of diabetic patients examined.[4] Periodontal disease may adversely affect glycaemic control increasing the risk of diabetic complications.[5] The first report of the association between maternal periodontal infection and pre-term low birth weight delivery in 19966 has since emphasized the promotion of oral health during pregnancy. The authors have identified a paucity of literature available within the Caribbean region with respect to periodontal health and gestational diabetes

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion