Awareness of diabetic patients regarding their oral hygiene

ABSTRACT

The study was conducted at Diabetic Clinic ofLiaquat University Hospital Hyderabad from July 2013 to December 2013, with the sample size of 200 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Data were collected through a self-designed questionnaire through an interview by the investigator. 79.5% patients did not know what type of diabetes they were suffering from 94% of the patients were well aware of the systemic complications of diabetes mellitus whereas 31.5% had no idea that being a diabetic they need to take extra care of their oral hygiene. Around 52% of the patients brushed their teeth once a day and 34% brushed twice a day.69% of the participants did not take any extra measures for maintaining their oral hygiene. Gingivitis was thought to be the most common oral manifestation occurring in the oral cavity of a diabetic patient was the reply of 49.2% of the patients. This study concludes that although diabetic patients seem to have a good knowledge and awareness about systemic complications related to the disease, the accurate awareness about oral hygiene, how to properly maintain it and diabetic related oral manifestations was deficient and there was considerable room for improvement