ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF DIABETIC PATIENTS: A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF RAWALPINDI

Abstract

Objective: To determine the oral health status in adult diabetic patients using decayed, missed, filled teeth index and community periodontal index of treatment need. To determine the relationship of oral health status with duration of diabetes and self-reported glycaemic control in adult patients with diabetes visiting Benazir Bhutto hospital, Rawalpindi.

Study Design: Analytical cross-sectional survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Benazir Bhutto Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan, from Apr to Sep 2020.

Methodology: The sampling method employed was non-probability consecutive sampling on 367 type II diabetics. Hypothesis of the study was duration of diabetes has an effect on oral health status. The data was collected by using an adapted version of world health organization oral health questionnaire for adults and oral health status of each individual was marked by oral examination. Chi square test was employed to determine relationship of oral health status with duration of diabetes and selfreported glycaemic control.

Results: Of the 367 participants 228 (62%) were females, 184 (50%) were uneducated and 198 (54%) came from urban areas. Majority 279 (75.7%) used toothpaste/toothbrush to clean their teeth, 230 (62.7%) brushed once daily. Mean DMFT score of the participants was 6.9 ± 4.5, 158 (43.1%) had periodontal pockets, 206 (56.2%) reported bleeding gums and calculus and 3 (0.8%) had healthy gums. The association between duration of diabetes, self-reported glycaemic control and oral health status was significant, p-value was <0.05.
Conclusion: Oral health status of type-II diabetics with longer disease duration and poor glycaemic control was compromised