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The study surveyed 448 people taken from a nationwide diabetes information program. The mean age was 59.65 years old and included patients with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and without diabetes. These patients all had a dental examination and were assessed on their knowledge on the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. The number of decayed, missing, or filled teeth determined dental health of the patients.
The results showed that dental health was lowest in people with type 1 diabetes, moderate for those without diabetes, and highest in type 2 diabetics. The overall prevalence for periodontitis was highest in type 2 diabetics (90%). In addition, 55% of all the participants were unaware of the relationship between diabetes and periodontitis. The researchers believe that the type 1 diabetics had the best oral health because the population observed was younger in age.
The study concluded that there is a strong link between type 2 diabetes and periodontitis and that these patients are unaware of this link.
Level of information about the relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontitis – results from a nationwide diabetes information program. European Journal of Medical Research 2013, 18:6 doi:10.1186/2047-783X-18-6