Oral health status and self- assessment of oral health risk factors among South Indian diabetic patients

Abstract

Background: The disease profile of the world is changing at an astonishingly fast rate. It is essential that the impending nature of chronic disease is recognized and acted on urgently. India leads the world with the largest number of diabetics earning the dubious distinction of being termed the 'diabetic capital' of the world. Aim: To assess and compare the oral health status and related oral health risk factors among diabetic patients in Hyderabad and Secunderabad. Settings: A cross sectional study was carried out in various diagnostic centers among 801 patients aged 30 years and above. Methods and Materials: Oral health status and self-assessed data on related oral risk factors were measured using modified World Health Organization (WHO) assessment form and oral health questionnaire for adults 2013. Statistical Analysis: Comparison of mean scores of the variables based on gender was assessed using ANOVA. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. Results: Females had higher proportion of untreated caries (362; 85%) and DMFT (Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth; 375; 88%) compared to males. On the basis of loss of attachment, the mean number of sextants with no loss of attachment was mostly noted among female subjects. Conclusion: In the present study, though gingivitis was seen in higher percentage (82%), the presence of periodontal disease was relatively low (68.3%). It can be concluded that diabetic subjects may have poor oral health.