CHSJ

Curr Health Sci J, vol. 50, no. 4, 2024

Correlation between HbA1c Levels and Periodontal Bacterial Load in Diabetic Patients with Fixed Retainers

[Original Paper]

M. MARIS(1), S.M. BUCUR(2), M. MARIS(3), M. PACURAR(4), M. CHIBELEAN(4), D. NENOVICI(5), K. EARAR(6)


(1)PhD student, Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, Romania;
(2)Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, “Dimitrie Cantemir” University of Târgu Mure?, Romania;
(3)Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Titu Maiorescu” University, Bucuresti, Romania;
(4)Faculty of Dental Medicine, “G.E. Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania;
(5)PhD student, Doctoral School, Faculty of Medicine, “G.E. Palade” University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Romania;
(6)Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Farmacy, ”Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, Romania


Abstract:

Background: Fixed orthodontic retainers can promote biofilm accumulation, increasing periodontal risks in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study examines the relationship between glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and bacterial load before and after oral hygiene intervention. Methods: Forty diabetic patients (HbA1c: 6.5%-9%) were divided into Group I (18-30 years, n=18) and Group II (>30 years, n=22). Periodontal samples were analyzed using micro-IDent® PCR tests. Pearson’s correlation and linear regression assessed associations between HbA1c and bacterial load. Results: Pre-intervention bacterial loads were 66 (Group I) and 128 (Group II). Post-intervention, they decreased significantly to 34 and 93 (p?0.05). HbA1c showed a strong pre-intervention correlation with bacterial load (r=0.78, p=0.002), decreasing post-intervention (r=0.42, p=0.08). Each 1% HbA1c increase correlated with a 20.3-unit rise pre-intervention (R²=0.61) and 8.2 units post-intervention (R²=0.18). Conclusion: Fixed retainers facilitate bacterial colonization, worsening periodontal inflammation in diabetic patients. Glycemic control and regular oral hygiene interventions are essential for reducing bacterial load and preventing complications.


Keywords: Fixed retainers, type 2 diabetes, HbA1c, bacterial load.



Corresponding: Sorana Maria Bucur, Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, "Dimitrie Cantemir" University of Targu Mure, 540545 Targu Mure, Romania, e-mail: bucursoranamaria@gmail.com


DOI 10.12865/CHSJ.50.04.11 - Download PDF
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