A Study of Diabetes Associated Oral Manifestations

AIM: The aim of this work was to determine the frequency of oral changes in diabetic patients and to study the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study sample consisted of 440 known diabetic patients between the age group of 20–80 years, of which 212 were males and 228 were females. One hundred and six patients were below 40 years, 138 patients between 41 and 50 years, 97 in 51–60 years, and 99 above 60 years of age. Data were statistically analyzed by Student's t-test. RESULTS: Nearly 57% of the patients showed a Russell's Periodontal Index score of 2–4.9, which suggested an established periodontal disease. Risk factors for the people above the age of 40 years to develop diabetes were 76%. CONCLUSION: The frequency of oral manifestations in diabetic patients was significantly high, hence showing a relationship of gingival and periodontal diseases with diabetes mellitus.