Diabetes Mellitus and Poor Oral Hygiene in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis

Abstract

Introduction: The high prevalence of chronic periodontitis in diabetic patients is a global problem that requires attention and healthcare priorities. Objective: To determine the association between diabetes mellitus and poor oral hygiene in adult patients with chronic periodontitis. Methods: An observational, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted at the Mártires del Moncada Provincial Teaching Dental Clinic in Santiago de Cuba, from January 2021 to January 2023. The sample consisted of 3,807 patients over 19 years of age, belonging to four clinics in this health area. The sample was selected through non-probability, purposive sampling based on criteria, and consisted of 138 patients with type I and II diabetes. The variables studied were age, sex, oral hygiene, chronic periodontitis, and its severity. The information was collected through a survey and presented in tables. Data were processed using descriptive statistics, absolute and relative frequencies, and the Chi-square test with a significance level of 0.05. Results: The age group 60 and over predominated 52.2 % and the female sex 56.5 %. 58.7% had chronic periodontitis, and 50 % of diabetic patients over 35 years of age, of both sexes, presented severe chronic periodontitis. 100 % of diabetic patients had poor oral hygiene. Conclusions: Diabetes mellitus and poor oral hygiene are risk factors associated with the high prevalence and severity of chronic periodontitis.