Association of oral care with periodontitis and glycemic control among US adults with diabetes

Abstract Background Studies indicate that treating periodontitis may benefit glycemic control among people with diabetes. It is unclear whether oral self-care such as flossing may reduce risk for periodontitis and improve glycemic control among people with diabetes. The purpose of this study was to examine associations between oral care, specifically, flossing and preventive dental care, with periodontitis and glycemic control, among US dentate adults with diabetes. Methods We analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2014 for 892 participants aged 30 years and older with diabetes who completed the periodontal examination and lab test for hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). Sampling weights were applied. Multivariable logistic regression and multivariable linear modeling were performed to examine the associations of flossing and preventive dental services on periodontal health and HbA1c levels, respectively, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviors, and other risk factors. Results Among U.S. dentate adults with diabetes, 52.1% of flossers and 72.1% of non-flossers had periodontitis (p