Awareness of Diabetic Patients Regarding the Bidirectional Association between Periodontal Disease and Diabetes Mellitus: A Public Oral Health Concern.

AIM AND

OBJECTIVE

The literature regarding the perception of the two-way relationship between diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease representing diabetic patients living in Australia is scarce. The study aimed to evaluate the knowledge and attitudes of diabetic patients regarding the bidirectional link and the role of medical healthcare professionals in providing oral health advice to their patients.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

A convenience sample of diabetic patients attending general practice-based medical and dental centers was invited to complete a questionnaire-based survey. The survey was anonymous, and the responses of the participants were not identifiable.

RESULTS

A total of 241 participants completed the questionnaire; however, three survey responses were excluded as most of the critical questions were not answered. The majority (87.81%) of the participants reported with type 2 diabetes mellitus, while 11.76% had type 1 diabetes mellitus. Just over 61% of the participants reported brushing their teeth twice a day. The majority of participants (66.38%) said that their medical practitioner/diabetic educator never asked or examined their oral hygiene or any issues with the gums or teeth. The study noted that 54% of the participants never received any information regarding the bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus and were unaware of the association.

CONCLUSION

Patients with diabetes mellitus lack knowledge of the bidirectional association between periodontal disease and diabetes mellitus. In this regard, the study urged the need to implement European Federation of Periodontology and International Diabetes Federation guidelines effectively. Medical healthcare professionals and dentists should provide mutual care and should consider every patient as a shared responsibility.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early detection of the disease, timely referrals, and a collaborative approach will enhance patient care and improve the quality of life of individuals living with periodontal disease.