OSCE Diagnostic Skills Practice Exam

Hyperglycemia, which refers to high blood sugar levels, has been shown to increase the severity of periodontitis, a serious gum infection that damages soft tissue and can destroy the bone that supports your teeth. This correlation is primarily due to several underlying factors related to diabetes and its impact on the body's immune response.

In hyperglycemic conditions, the body's ability to fight off infections is compromised. Elevated glucose levels can lead to an increase in the number of harmful bacteria in the oral cavity, which can exacerbate inflammation and contribute to the progression of periodontal disease. Furthermore, high blood glucose can impair the healing process of gum tissues, making it more challenging to recover from infections and exacerbating any existing periodontal conditions.

Additionally, the presence of excessive glucose can lead to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), which can trigger inflammatory responses in tissues, further worsening the severity of periodontal disease. The combination of these factors creates a scenario where individuals with chronic hyperglycemia tend to experience more severe forms of periodontitis compared to those who maintain proper blood sugar levels. This understanding highlights the importance of glycemic control in managing periodontal health, especially in individuals with diabetes.