BACKGROUND:
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting either from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It affects almost all tissues in the body, including those in the oral
cavity and hence the aim of this study is to assess the oral self care practices, oral health status and treatment needs of diabetic and non diabetic patients.
METHODOLOGY:
A cross sectional descriptive study was conducted among 350 diabetic patients and a similar number of non diabetic ranging from 18-78 years. Data
was collected using a pre tested questionnaire for oral self care practices and WHO proforma (1997) was used for assessing oral health status and treatment needs. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.
RESULTS:
The present study revealed that there was not much difference in the oral hygiene practices among diabetic and non diabetic. Percentage of oral mucosal lesions was high among diabetic group (11.8%) when compared to non diabetics (7.4%).The pocket formation of 4-6 mm was seen in 124
(35.4%) diabetics and 100 (28.6%) non diabetics.Loss of attachment of 4-5 mm was found among116(33.1%) and 6-8 mm 40 (11.4%)of diabetic when compared to non diabetics loss of attachment of 4-5 mm was 84 (24.0%)and 6-8 mm was 35 (10.0%). Excluded sextants were found to be high in diabetics (19.5%) when compared to non diabetic group (14.7%).The mean DMFT was high among diabetic (4.014) than non diabetic (3.020).
CONCLUSION:
Since the prevalence of periodontitis is more among diabetic the oral hygiene practices has to be improved. The oral complications of diabetes can be prevented by combined effect of dentist and the Physician by emphasizing
the patients for periodic review to dentist for improving the oral health
