Publication:

Oral self-care practices, oral health status and treatment needs in diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing orthodontic treatment

Background Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia resulting either from defects in insulin secretion, action, or both, affecting almost all tissues in body, including those in oral cavity and hence the aim of this study is to assess oral self-care practices, oral health status and treatment needs of diabetic and non-diabetic patients undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among 120 each diabetic and non-diabetic patients ranging from 14-35 years undergoing orthodontic treatment. Data was collected using 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 both groups. Percentage of oral mucosal lesions, Pocket formation, Loss of Attachment and mean DMFT was high among diabetic group when compared to non-diabetics.

Conclusions Since the prevalence of periodontitis is more among diabetic, the oral hygiene practices have 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.