Oral disease burden in northern Manhattan patients with diabetes mellitus

Oral Health and Patterns of Dental Visits Among Diabetic Patients in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Diabetes is a big public health threat in Saudi Arabia. However, there is limited evidence about dental problems, oral hygiene practices, and dental visits among diabetic patients. The study aimed to evaluate self-perceived oral health status and patterns of dental attendance among diabetic patients in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia.

Methodology

This cross-sectional study included 486 diabetic patients (mean age 50.14±13.59 years) registered with the Saudi Diabetes Society, Saudi Arabia (October–November 2020). The World Health Organization’s oral health questionnaire for adults was administered to collect information about oral health status, oral hygiene practices, and dental attendance, in addition to sociodemographic data. Descriptive and analytical statistics were performed.

Results

Most participants (66.3%) reported having dental pain or discomfort during the last year. Bad breath (60.50%), tooth cavities (55.10%), difficulty in biting hard food (55.10%), tooth sensitivity (53.30%), and bleeding gums (52.90%) were common oral problems among participants. More than half the sample (55.1%) reported visiting the dental office during the last year. However, pain or trouble with teeth, gums or mouth was the most common (40.5%) reason for the last dental visit. Only 7.8% of participants visited the dentist for a routine dental check-up. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that Saudi nationality (AOR 2.68, P 0.008), family history of diabetes (AOR 1.88, P 0.022), and having pain during the last year (AOR 4.01, P <0.001) were the significant factors associated with the last dental visit due to pain.

Conclusion

This sample of participants demonstrated a high prevalence of dental problems. Few participants performed routine dental visits and most visits were due to pain. Saudis and patients with family history of diabetes and dental pain were more likely to perform pain related dental visits. Multidisciplinary efforts are needed to develop and implement preventive educational and clinical care models for positive oral and general health outcomes.

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

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.