ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of dental caries and periodontal disease in type-2 diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study. A survey with sociodemographic, clinical and nutritional variables was applied to diabetic patients who met the criteria of selection. The rates of dental caries, periodontal disease (Russell's) and oral hygiene were applied through oral examination. Statistical univaried and bivaried analysis was made. RESULTS: 100 diabetics with an average age of 49 +/- 8 years old were interviewed, the proportion between women and men was of 1.9:1; 85% of the interviewed people had a couple; 56% were housewives and 74% belonged to a low socioeconomic level. The average of metabolic control was of 182 +/- 102; 31% of the diabetics had three years or more of evolution of the disease; 99% brushed their teeth daily, but only 31% did it three times a day; in 85 % the brushing technique was inadequate. The rate of oral hygiene was 3.2 +/- 1; of dental caries was 0.52 +/- .13, and of Russell's periodontal disease was 2.77 +/- 1.1. Gender made no difference at all in the rates. CONCLUSIONS: The rate of dental caries was similar to the reported by other studies, but the rate of Russell's periodontal disease was greater to the one provided by literature, which shows that education in dental hygiene must be redefined.
