Full-mouth disinfection in the treatment of periodontitis in diabetic subjects

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and glycemic effects of chlorhexidine as an adjunct to a full-mouth disinfection (FMD) protocol in type 2 diabetic subjects with generalized chronic periodontitis. 

Methods: Thirty-seven subjects were randomly assigned in: Test group (FMD; n=19) - scaling and root planing (SRP) within 24 hours + local application of chlorhexidine gel + chlorhexidine rinses for 60 days; Control group (n=18): SRP within 24 hours + local application of placebo gel + placebo rinses for 60 days. Periodontal clinical parameters, glycated hemoglobin and fasting plasma glucose levels were assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapies.

Results: All clinical parameters improved significantly at 3, 6 and 12 months post-therapies (P <0.05). There were no significant differences between therapeutic groups for any clinical and glycemic parameter at any time-point (P >0.05).

Conclusions: Both therapies were equally effective in treating chronic periodontitis in type 2 diabetic subjects, without significant improvements in the glycemic control at any time-point.