Diabetes and Oral Health: A Case-control Study

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus, according to World Health Organization (WHO) is a silent epidemic which affects large number of people around the world and is directly related to the oral health status of the patients. OBJECTIVES: To know the prevalence of common dental diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases (pyorrhea), and treatment needs in a group of adult diabetic patients in private medical establishments of Tumkur city, south India, in comparison with non-diabetic patients. To create awareness among general medical practitioners about the common oral manifestations of diabetes and the importance of periodical dental check up for diabetics. METHODS: A group of 300 diabetic patients (males = 186, females = 114) and a control group of 300 non-diabetics (males = 180, females = 120) matched by age and sex were examined according to WHO criteria, for a period of eight months. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries was comparatively more in non-diabetics (32.3%) than in diabetics (13.6%). However, the prevalence of periodontal diseases (pyorrhea) was more in diabetics (92.6%) when compared to non-diabetics (83%). CONCLUSIONS: Oral health is an integral part of general health. Though dental caries was comparatively low in diabetics, periodontal status was compromised. Complex treatment needs was more in the diabetics (58%) when compared to controls (41%). Regular follow-up of dental problems of the diabetics and oral health education is much required.