Abstract

BACKGROUND
This study examined the oral health condition of diabetic patients and evaluated the oral health behavior through a questionnaires survey. In addition, this study provide primary informations for developing a dental health program for diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were fifty patients with diabetes mellitus or glucose tolerance (controlled by a community health center at Dalsung-Gun in Daegu City and fifty non- diabetic age, gender and location matched control subjects. Data were collected by a direct oral examination and by questionnaires from 100 subjects in July, 2004. RESULTS: The DMFT (Decay, Missing, Filling Teeth) mean values in diabetics were significantly higher than that in non-diabetics (p< 0.05). The decay teeth index and Filling teeth index was similar in the two groups, but the mean Missing teeth index was significantly higher in the diabetics than in non-diabetics. The PI (Periodontal Index) mean values were significantly higher in the diabetics than in the non-diabetics (p< 0.01). There was a significant difference between the diabetics and non diabetics aged in their 50s and 60s, but there was no difference with those aged in their 70s. The oral hygiene status was similar in the two groups. The average number of remaining teeth was significantly lower in the diabetics (16.1+/-10.35) than in the non-diabetics (20.04+/-8.70) (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the diabetic patients, the M component of the DMFT index was found to be higher than the controls. Diabetics lose their teeth mainly due to periodontal disease, which is supported by the increased PI mean values.

• Keywords: Diabetic patients;Oral hygiene status;DMFT index;Periodontal index;