Poor Glycemic Control Increases Dental Risk in a Sri Lankan Population.
Larissa Steigmann1, Sejal Gunaratnam2, William V Giannobile1
1Division of Periodontology, Department of Oral Medicine, Infection, and Immunity, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 10, 2024
Summary
Diabetes patients with higher blood glucose levels face significantly increased dental risks. Poor glycemic control is strongly linked to more frequent dental problems, impacting oral health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Oral Health
- Endocrinology
- Public Health
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is a global health concern with significant oral health implications.
- Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, faces a growing burden of diabetes, necessitating research into its complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between diabetes-related factors and dental disease outcomes in type-2 diabetic patients.
- To identify key predictors of dental risk within this population.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 80 type-2 diabetic individuals in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka, was assessed.
- Dental outcomes were recorded, and a dental risk score was computed based on the frequency of observed issues.
- Participants were categorized into low risk (≤3 dental outcomes) and high risk (>3 dental outcomes).
Main Results:
- High prevalence of periodontal issues was observed, including 70% missing teeth, 40% gingival recession, 41% tooth mobility, and 20% bleeding.
- 39% of participants were classified as high dental risk, while 61% were low risk.
- Elevated capillary blood glucose levels were significantly associated with a higher dental risk score (OR = 2.93).
Conclusions:
- Poor glycemic control, indicated by elevated capillary blood glucose, is a significant risk factor for increased dental problems in diabetic patients.
- Age-adjusted analysis confirmed a 3-fold greater odds of high dental risk among individuals with higher blood glucose.
- These findings underscore the importance of managing blood glucose levels to mitigate dental complications in diabetes care.
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