Dental OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) Practice Exam

What effect do increased glucose levels have on periodontal disease?

1. They decrease the severity of periodontal disease

2. They have no effect on periodontal disease

3. They worsen periodontal disease

4. They prevent periodontal disease

The correct answer is: They worsen periodontal disease

Increased glucose levels have been scientifically linked to the exacerbation of periodontal disease. Elevated blood sugar can lead to hyperglycemia, which is particularly common in individuals with diabetes. This condition promotes inflammation and disrupts the normal immune response, making the periodontium—tissues supporting teeth—more susceptible to infection. When glucose levels are high, there is an increase in the production of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which can contribute to tissue damage and inflammation. This inflammatory response can worsen the conditions surrounding periodontal disease, as it encourages the growth of pathogenic bacteria in the oral cavity while simultaneously impairing the host's ability to combat these infections. Additionally, the inflammatory cytokines released in response to these processes can further deteriorate periodontal tissues, leading to increased attachment loss, pocket formation, and overall severity of the disease. Therefore, the relationship between elevated glucose levels and periodontal disease severity is significant, supporting the conclusion that elevated glucose levels worsen periodontal disease.