Diabetes and Dental Woes: A Study on Burden of Oral Diseases in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients in Mysuru

Abstract

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a common, chronic, debilitating disorder which presents with concomitant oral manifestation that has great implications for oral healthcare. Oral healthcare is often overlooked in the treatment regimen of DM patients. Data regarding the oral disease burden in diabetes patients is vital to plan and implement oral healthcare policies and programs by the concerned authorities. Thus, this study was aimed at determining the oral disease burden in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients visiting a dental hospital in Mysuru city, India.

Methodology: The study had a retrospective cross-sectional observation design with the screening of patients' case records as the data source. Data from three years (2019, 2020, 2021) was considered. Patients' case records of the aforementioned years were screened and known T2DM patients’ records were selected. Data was collected using a structured proforma designed with key variable headings. Detailed demographic data, medical, dental history and clinical findings were recorded from the selected cases. The data was statistical analysis.

Results: Our results showed that T2DM had an overall prevalence of 3.53 %. Individuals of age 40 years and above (86 %) were the most affected. Males were affected more than females in the ratio of 2:1. Periodontal conditions (45%) were the most prevalent oral disease followed by tooth loss (24%) and dental caries (17%). All the other oral conditions together accounted for 14% of the total cases.

Conclusion: Our study highlights the high oral disease burden and the pressing need for oral healthcare management in T2DM patients.