Prevalence of oral problems among patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus in the Selected Urban Area of Vellore City, Tamil Nadu

Abstract

There is a rapid increase in diabetes mellitus worldwide causing premature deaths (1.6 million deaths in 2016) due to complications of the disease. India is said to have a greater number of diabetics, and diabetes remains one of the leading causes of death due to complications in India. Poor glycaemic control in patients not only affects their heart, kidneys, eyes and nerves but also affects the oral cavity. Periodontal disease is considered the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus, and it is seldom addressed. This study was conducted to assess the extent of oral problems amongst the clients with Type II diabetes mellitus in the selected urban area of Vellore district. A total of 150 samples were selected using simple random technique method. Informed consent was obtained from every subject, and the study was approved by the institutional review board. Data were collected using a structured pro forma, and a thorough oral examination was done to identify oral problems. The data were analysed using SPSS and were presented with explanatory statements in tables and graphs. The study findings revealed that the prevalence of periodontitis was high (64.7%) amongst the Type II diabetes mellitus and half of the subjects (53%) had one or the other oral problems such as calculus, stains dental caries, bleeding or swollen gum, gum recession and loose tooth or missing tooth. Regular dental check-up is mandatory for all diabetics, and oral health education is much required for better glycaemic control which will help to reduce the mortality rate and country's burden.