Abstract

Aim: To investigate the association of hyperglycaemia and changes in glycaemic control with periodontal status in non‐diabetic individuals.

Materials and methods: A sub‐population (n = 647) of the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966 was studied. We categorized long‐term glucose balance based on fasting plasma glucose (FPG) at ages 31 and 46: FPG <5.0 mmol/l (strict normoglycaemia), FPG 5.0–5.59 mmol/l (slightly elevated FPG) and FPG 5.6–6.9 mmol/l (prediabetes). Probing pocket depth (PPD) and alveolar bone level (BL) data were collected at age 46. Relative risks (RR, 95% CI) were estimated using Poisson regression models.

Results: Periodontal status was poorer in individuals whose glucose balance worsened from age 31 to 46 years than in those with a stable glucose balance. In the case of strict normoglycaemia at age 31 and slightly elevated FPG or prediabetes at age 46, the RRs for PPD ≥4 mm were 1.8 (95% CI 1.4–2.2) and 2.8 (95% CI 2.0–3.8) and for BL ≥5 mm 1.1 (95% CI 0.8–1.4) and 1.8 (95% CI 1.2–2.8), respectively.

Conclusion: The results of this population‐based cohort study suggest that impairment in glucose control in non‐diabetic individuals is associated with periodontal pocketing and alveolar bone loss.