Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus, a major public health problem worldwide, is a known risk factor for periodontitis. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effect of diabetes on periodontal health in a Saudi population by assessing alveolar bone level, and the number of missing teeth. Methods: In this retrospective study, the dental records of 203 patients (30–70 years old) patients (diabetic group = 102; control = 101) who visited King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry, were examined through panoramic radiography. Bone loss measurements were carried out using the Ramfjord teeth index, and the number of missing teeth was counted for both groups. Independent t-test was used for comparing the total average represented by two group means, while Chi-square test was utilized to establish relationships between categorical variables. Results: The diabetic group had a significant 1.35-fold higher mean total bone loss (3.59 ± 1.37) compared to the control (2.66 ± 1.05). This was statistically significant in both genders (p = 001) and in >45 years old age group (p <0.05). The number of missing teeth was significantly higher in diabetic patients compared to control patients, specifically when missing >10 teeth and belonging to >55 years old age group (p <0.05). Conclusion: Our findings have shown a positive association between periodontal disease and diabetic patients, emphasizing the importance of early screening and diagnosis of diabetes and periodontitis in Saudi Arabia, which would help patients to avoid alveolar bone and tooth loss at early stages.
Highlights
Periodontal diseases are infections of the tissues and bones surrounding the tooth that affect up to 50 percent of the worldwide population [1, 2]
Our findings have shown a positive association between periodontal disease and diabetic patients, emphasizing the importance of early screening and diagnosis of diabetes and periodontitis in Saudi Arabia, which would help patients to avoid alveolar bone and tooth loss at early stages
The effect of diabetes as compared to a healthy control group on periodontal health of 203 patients was evaluated through alveolar bone loss and the number of missing teeth assessment of their panoramic radiograph records
Summary
Periodontal diseases are infections of the tissues and bones surrounding the tooth that affect up to 50 percent of the worldwide population [1, 2]. An increase in periodontal destruction is often noticed in uncontrolled diabetic patients compared to controlled diabetic or even non-diabetic patients This is attributed to several factors that lead to the inability of the cells to destroy bacteria as well as exaggerated immunemediated host tissue destruction [6]. Macrophages and monocytes often increase the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), which increases host tissue destruction [7]. These inflammatory cytokines have a direct reaction to the supporting structures of the periodontium [8]. A major public health problem worldwide, is a known risk factor for periodontitis
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