Survey on Awareness and Knowledge about the Effect of Diabetes Mellitus on Systemic and Oral Health in Patients Visiting General Medicine Outpatient Department in Dental Hospital

Abstract

Objective: This survey was conducted on known diabetic patients to appraise the awareness and knowledge about the effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on systemic and oral health and to evaluate the source of the information. Aim: The aim of this study was to gather baseline information on awareness and knowledge of diabetic patients regarding their systemic and oral health with the view of enhancing their oral health education. Which will help in updating their knowledge regarding strong association of DM on oral diseases, also about importance of maintaining glycemic levels and good oral health. Methodology: This experimental study was conducted on known diabetic patients visiting general medicine outpatient department for fitness to undergo dental treatments. Patients were evaluated by using a self developed questionnaire by interview method. The questions were about awareness regarding effect of DM on systemic and oral health, sources of information patients have received and elicit the symptoms of DM in those diabetics and educate them regarding importance of glycemic control and maintenance of oral health. Results: All the participants had Type 2 DM. The knowledge about DM disease was poor and most of them attended camps related to DM and their systemic consequences, but none of them attended DM associated oral health camps. Many patients(47.5%) were educated about the effect of DM on systemic organs and their prevention, by their treating physician, but none of the physicians informed about effect of DM on oral tissues (0%). Surprisingly, only some dentists (24%) told regarding oral complications of DM, large number of patients gathered information by other sources mainly from relatives and friends, who are diabetics (61.9%). So awareness of diabetic patients of their increased risk for oral diseases is low compared to their awareness of systemic diseases. Conclusion: It is of paramount importance for dental specialist to raise the attentiveness of diabetic patients of their increased risk for oral diseases and the impact of oral health on their general health. Research project on awareness for diabetic patients of their increased risk for oral and dental diseases and their approach to maintain good oral health will significantly impact their oral health-related quality of life

Keywords

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Systemic Health
• Oral Health Awareness
• Dental Diseases