Diabetes and Oral Health: A Case-Control Study

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. 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. 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. 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%). 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. Key words: Dental caries, diabetes, oral health awareness, pyorrhea