The Correlations Between Diabetes Mellitus and Oro-Maxillofacial Disorders: A Statistical Perspective

Background/Objectives: The goal of this research was to determine the prevalence and distribution of the oro-maxillofacial pathologies in patients with diabetes mellitus and to determine the correlation between diabetes mellitus and oro-maxillofacial disorders. Methods: The retrospective study group consisted of 6868 patients (mean age 49.84 ± 22.79 years) admitted in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department between 2018 and 2024. Qualitative data were analyzed by Chi-square (χ²) test. Odds Ratio (OR) and Relative Risk (RR) were measured for each oro-maxillofacial pathology. Quantitative data were analyzed by Student's T-test. Results: Among patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), the estimated risk of malignant tumors was 5.29 times higher (RR = 5.29; p = 0.001) compared to the non-DM group, with 15.0% of diabetic patients affected, versus 1.4% in the non-diabetic group. The probability of periodontal disease in diabetic patients was 4.66 times higher (RR = 4.66; p = 0.001), affecting 5.5% of the DM group, compared to only 0.6% in the non-DM group. Diabetic patients had a likelihood 3.53 times higher (RR = 3.53; p = 0.001) of developing apical periodontitis, with 5.3% of the DM group affected, in contrast to 1.0% of the non-DM group. The presence of root remnants was 1.43 times more likely (RR = 1.43; p = 0.001) in diabetic patients, with 9.0% of the DM group affected, compared to 6.1% in the non-DM group. Conclusions: The strong correlation between diabetes and oral pathologies, particularly malignancies and periodontal disease, underscores the need for early screening, preventive care, and targeted management strategies for diabetic patients.