diabetes and oral health: a case-control study

background: diabetes mellitus, according to world health organization (who) is a silent epidemic which affects large number of people around the world and is directly related to the oral health status of the patients. objectives: to know the prevalence of common dental diseases such as dental caries, periodontal diseases (pyorrhea), and treatment needs in a group of adult diabetic patients in private medical establishments of tumkur city, south india, in comparison with non-diabetic patients. to create awareness among general medical practitioners about the common oral manifestations of diabetes and the importance of periodical dental check up for diabetics. methods: a group of 300 diabetic patients (males = 186, females = 114) and a control group of 300 non-diabetics (males = 180, females = 120) matched by age and sex were examined according to who criteria, for a period of eight months. results: the prevalence of dental caries was comparatively more in non-diabetics (32.3%) than in diabetics (13.6%). however, the prevalence of periodontal diseases (pyorrhea) was more in diabetics (92.6%) when compared to non-diabetics (83%). conclusions: oral health is an integral part of general health. though dental caries was comparatively low in diabetics, periodontal status was compromised. complex treatment needs was more in the diabetics (58%) when compared to controls (41%). regular follow-up of dental problems of the diabetics and oral health education is much required.