Effect of oral health education on dental caries and periodontal health status of diabetic patients in Calabar metropolis

Imasuen H; Adekoya MN; Hillary OS

doi:10.61386/imj.v19i3.1207

Authors

Imasuen H Faculty of Dentistry, University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria
Adekoya MN Department of Child Dental Health, University of Calabar, Nigeria
Hillary OS Department of Child Dental Health, University of Calabar, Nigeria

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61386/imj.v19i3.1207

Keywords:

Dental caries, Periodontal disease, Diabetes mellitus, Oral health education

Abstract

Context: Dental caries and periodontal disease are complications of Diabetic Mellitus (DM) which can result in tooth loss and most diabetes are unaware of these effects. This study aims to determine the effect of oral health education among DM patients.

Materials and method: This was a quasi-experimental/interventional study carried out at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Study participants were drawn from DM patients attending diabetic clinic of the hospital. Ethical approval was gotten from the ethics committee of the hospital (Number UCTH/HREC/008/094). Written and informed consent was obtained from all participants. At baseline the mouth of each participant was examined for decay, missing and filled teeth using DMFT index while the periodontium was examined for periodontal disease using Gingival Bleeding Index by Ainamo and Bay and Periodontal Disease Index by Ramfgord. Oral hygiene instructions were then given to each participant and follow up was done at 2wks, 4wks, 6wks and 8wks.

Results: A total of 96 participants who met the inclusion criteria participated in this study. Females were 63 (66.0%) and males 33 (34.0%). The most common age group was 55 to 64yrs (42.7%.). Most of the participants (39.6%) had DM for over 10years while 72 (75.0%) had family history of DM. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean gingival bleeding index of participants at baseline (25.28+/-9.88) and post oral education at 2,4,6 and 8 weeks (14.43+/-3.18, 4.43+/-0.93. 0.68+/-0.05 and 0.00+/-0.00 respectively; p<0.001). The mean periodontal disease index also differed significantly at baseline (0.68+/-0.078) and post oral education at 2,4,6,8 weeks (0.56+/-0.058; 0.23+/-0.097; 0.24+/-0.03 and 0.02+/-0.00 respectively; p=0.000).

Conclusion: Proper oral health education can significantly reduce dental caries and periodontal disease among DM patients. Hence oral health education sessions should be strongly implemented in diabetic and dental clinics.