Periodontal Care Is Associated With a Lower Risk of Dialysis Initiation in Middle-Aged Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A 6-Year Follow-Up Cohort Study Based on a Nationwide Healthcare Database
(Journal of Clinical Periodontology; doi: 10.1111/jcpe.14105)
Taro Kusama, Yudai Tamada, Ken Osaka, Kenji Takeuch
Diabetes can affect the kidneys. This study asked whether receiving periodontal care was associated with a lower chance of starting dialysis, a treatment used when kidney function becomes severely reduced.
Researchers analysed Japanese insurance and health-check records for 99,273 adults with type 2 diabetes.
They compared different patterns of dental attendance and gum care over a median follow-up of about three and a half years.
People recorded as receiving periodontal care were less likely to start dialysis than those with no dental attendance. The association was stronger with more regular care. However, dialysis was uncommon overall, and the study did not measure the severity of gum disease.
People who attend regularly may also differ in income, access to care and other health behaviours that records cannot fully capture.
This is an important reason to research coordinated care, but it does not prove that dental appointments prevent dialysis.
The reported relative differences should not be read as your personal reduction in kidney risk.
Periodontal care and kidney monitoring serve different purposes, and neither replaces the other.
The findings are most relevant to adults resembling this insured Japanese population, rather than automatically applying to everyone with diabetes.
Following people over time helps researchers study the order of events, but it does not remove all uncertainty.
People with different health or dental histories may also differ in medicines, smoking, access to care and other influences. Some participants may be missing from later assessments. Statistical adjustments cannot fully account for everything.
The results describe patterns in the people studied, not a personal forecast. They should be considered alongside other research and your own clinical findings when discussing their relevance to you.
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Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
Periodontitis is the 6th most prevalent condition globally
Periodontitis and diabetes are bidirectionally linked
Diabetic complications are increased if you have both diseases
Successful periodontal treatment can improve blood glucose control
