Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 22, 2026

Oral Health Assessment by Lay Personnel for Older Adults
Published on: February 2, 2020
Oral health complications in Brazilian and French diabetic older people: A comparative study
Danilo L F Lima1, Maria V L Saintrain2, Jiovanne R Neri1
1School of Dentistry, University of Fortaleza - UNIFOR, Fortaleza, Brazil; School of Dentistry, Christus University Center - UNICHISTUS, Fortaleza, Brazil.
Introduction:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a risk factor for periodontitis for over 40 years and novel evidence suggests that periodontitis has an impact on glycemic control in patients with diabetes. This study aimed to compare oral health complications in diabetic older patients from Brazil and France.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study included 120 patients aged 65 and over diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Sixty patients were admitted to a center for diabetes and hypertension care in Brazil and 60 patients were admitted to the Rouen University hospital. Dental conditions were assessed through the decayed, missing and filled teeth index and periodontal condition was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index. The significance threshold was p < 0.05.
Results:
Decayed teeth differed statistically between the groups (p = 0.001). The French group presented more tooth mobility, gingival recession and furcation involvement (p < 0.001). Tooth brushing frequency differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.030). The main cause of missing teeth was periodontitis in the French group and caries and periodontitis in the Brazilian group (p < 0.001). Statistical significance was found for use of fixed upper (p = 0.013) and lower (p = 0.013) dentures in the French group. The French group needed upper denture rehabilitation (p = 0.010) while the Brazilian group needed lower denture rehabilitation (p = 0.003).
Conclusion:
Edentulism was prevalent in diabetic older people in both countries. However, the French participants presented with better oral health.
Related Concept Videos
Diabetes: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Complications
Hemodialysis II: Procedure and Complications
Pneumonia III: Complications and Assessment
Pathophysiology of Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by autoimmune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β cells, with environmental factors potentially triggering this process in genetically susceptible individuals. Despite many not having a family history, certain genes increase susceptibility,...
Oral Cavity
Teeth: The teeth are the hardest structures in our bodies. Humans have two sets of teeth throughout their lifetime: deciduous (baby) teeth and permanent teeth. Each tooth consists of several parts: the crown (visible part), the root (embedded in the jaw), enamel (hard outer...
Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma

