Oral lesions and periodontal status in diabetics and non-diabetics: A hospital based study

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus, a chronic hyperglycemic disorder has been associated with several manifestations in the body including the oral cavity. The oral manifestations are of importance and may significantly contribute to the detection of undiagnosed diabetes. OBJECTIVE: To find out the prevalence of oral diseases in type 1 and type 2 diabetics, to evaluate and compare the periodontal status of diabetics and non-diabetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross sectional study conducted on 110 diabetic subjects of >5 years duration at the M.V. Hospital for Diabetes, Diabetes Research Centre, Chennai. One hundred apparently healthy non-diabetic subjects in the age group of 40-60 years were studied as control. The oral cavity was examined by using a mouth mirror and periodontal status was assessed by utilizing oral hygiene index - simplified (Greene and Vermillion), Miller's mobility index and Ramjford's periodontal disease index. RESULTS: Subjects with diabetes were found to have significant association with xerostomia (P < 0.003) and chronic periodontitis (P < 0.026). However, no significant association was found forleukoplakia, traumatic ulcer, frictional keratosis, smoker's melanosis, mucocele, aphthous ulcer, fissured tongue, lichen planus, parotid enlargement, parulis, chronic gingivitis, fibroma, and periodontal abscess. CONCLUSION: The study reaffirmed higher prevalence of xerostomia and periodontal disease among diabetic subjects. However, contrary to previous studies, no significant differences were found in the prevalence of traumatic ulcer, fissured tongue, lichen planus, and parotid enlargement.