Adjunctive application of xanthan based chlorhexidine gel in diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease is considered to be the sixth complication of diabetes. Periodontal infection has been implicated as a risk factor for systemic diseases such as coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The interrelationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis has been studied for many years. Diabetes and Periodontitis seem to interact in a bidirectional manner. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of xanthan based chlorhexidine gel diabetic patients with chronic periodontitis. Method: A split mouth case control study was conducted on 120 sites with probing pocket depth of 5-8 mm diabetic patients from both the sexes visiting to the Out Patient department of periodontology. The selected sites were divided into two groups. Control group- scaling and root planing and Test group- scaling and root planingand immediate insertion of xanthan based chlorhexidine gel. Results: Both the groups showed reduction in probing pocket depth (PPD) and attachment loss at follow up visits when compared with baseline. Conclusion: The results from the present study suggest that the application of Xanthan based chlorhexidine gel when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing is beneficial in the treatment of chronic periodontitis patients with diabetes. Clinical Relevance: The two way relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease is well established and diabetic patients have been shown to have greater amount of periodontal destruction. Pocket anatomy is a significant limiting factor in mechanical access and sufficient reduction in bacterial load may not be achieved, hence the effect of xanthan based chlorhexidine gel on the clinical parameters is being evaluated when used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing.