141st APHA Annual Meeting

In This section

289579
Evidence for improved systemic outcomes in type 2 diabetics receiving oral care

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Enihomo Obadan, BDS, MPH , Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Samantha Jordan, DMD, MPH , Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Mary Tavares, DMD MPH , Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA
Diabetes is a major global health problem and the number of individuals with Type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing. Glycemic control is key to managing diabetes related systemic outcomes/complications. A bidirectional relationship between oral health and metabolic control has been suggested. If evidence for oral care driven improved systemic outcomes is demonstrated, the dental workforce could be utilized to combat the diabetes epidemic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate this evidence and identify any knowledge gaps. Methods: A systematic search was conducted of electronic databases including: PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, NIH eReporter and Google Scholar. Additional searches of grey literature were conducted in collaboration with medical librarians. Domain experts were consulted after the final search to ensure completeness. Results: The initial literature search yielded a combined total of 926 published articles. Preliminary screening of these articles identified 79 potentially relevant articles. Final review included 15 articles that met the inclusion criteria. Additional information was obtained from abstracts, grants in progress, and personal communications. Conclusions: There is moderate evidence currently available suggesting that oral care can lead to systemic health improvements in diabetics, most commonly measured by glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c). However, there is a paucity of research that focuses on older patients who comprise a large proportion of Type 2 diabetics. While oral care may be an effective intervention for the clinical management of diabetics, evidence may need to be stronger and include a broader population spectrum before becoming a treatment recommendation.

Learning Areas:
Chronic disease management and prevention
Clinical medicine applied in public health
Public health or related public policy

Learning Objectives:
Evaluate existing evidence for improved systemic outcomes in Type 2 diabetics receiving oral care. Identify knowledge gaps regarding the effect of oral care in Type 2 diabetic populations

Keywords: Diabetes, Oral Health

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a doctoral student in dental public health with a masters degree in public health. I am studying oral - systemic health connections.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.