DIABETES AND TOOTH LOSS

CONTEXT: Diabetes is one of the most common diseases of the modern times and the most frequent systemic disorder connected with the development of periodontal disease. Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency or secretion. Periodontal disease is an inflammatory disease caused by infection of supporting tissues of teeth and may subsequently lead to tooth loss if left untreated. The pathogenic collagenic mechanisms of diabetes stimulate the more intense progression of periodontal disease. These mechanisms include metabolic impairment, vascular changes, and changes of microbiotic flora in periodontal pocket and functional disorders of leukocytes. Tooth loss is an inevitable result of periodontal disease and destructive features of periodontal disease are more common in diabetics. Also, the prevalence of periodontal disease and the need of dental treatment are significantly higher in diabetes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To compare & correlate the number of missing tooth in a group of 100 diabetic patients with that of 100 non-diabetic individuals (30-60 years of age). MATERIALS AND METHODS: 200 individuals (100 diabetic & 100 control) were examined for dental status. Dental status was recorded for the teeth that were missing including third molars. Diabetic patients with other systemic manifestations like hypertension, cardiac diseases were excluded from the study. Data were collected on the subject’s age, sex, occupation and location. All data were recorded in WHO Oral Health assessment forms. Appropriate statistical tests were employed for analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software. Kruskal Wallis Chi-square test was employed for statistical analysis. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: The mean number of missing teeth in diabetic group was found to be 6.45 which significantly exceeded that of control group (1.43; p<0.001). The mean number of teeth present was found to be higher in control group, the mean number of missing teeth was found to be higher in diabetic group. RESULTS: The mean number of missing teeth in diabetic group was found to be 6.45 which significantly exceeded that of control group (1.43; p<0.001). Although the number of missing teeth does not give a direct insight into the periodontal status, it is an important factor in estimating oral health. It is known that by the age of 34, teeth are mostly lost due to caries, and after the age of 34 the cause is in most cases periodontal disease. In this study, the difference between the two groups was found to be statistically significant for age (P<0.01), number. of teeth present (P<0.001), no. of missing teeth (P<0.001) and the number of tooth lost (P<0.001). The mean number of teeth present was found to be higher in control group, the mean number of missing teeth was found to be higher in diabetic group and the mean number of tooth lost was found to be higher in diabetic group. The mean tooth loss between the different age groups was found to be statistically significant (P<0.05). Higher mean loss was recorded in 46-50 yrs age group followed by >55 yrs age group and 51-55 yrs age group respectively. The difference in mean tooth loss was found to be statistically significant between ≤40yrs & >55yrs age group (P<0.05) and 41-45 yrs & >55 yrs (P<0.01). The mean tooth loss (as it was loose) between the different age groups was found to be statistically significant (P<0.01). Higher mean loss was recorded in 46-50 yrs age group followed by >55 yrs age group and 51-55 yrs age group respectively. In both the groups, age was found to be a significant factor influencing the number of tooth lost (P<0.05). In control group age could explain 4.7% of the variation in tooth loss and in diabetic group it could explain 4.3% of the variation in tooth loss. In both the groups, was found significant factor influencing the