Periodontal health and its impact on quality of life among type II diabetes mellitus patients

Introduction: Diabetes mellitus is one of the key public health issues worldwide. Diabetes mellitus and its related oral manifestations, particularly in the form of poor periodontal health, has impact on physical health along with emotional and psychosocial consequences. The current study was done to assess periodontal health and its impact of on the quality of life among type II diabetics. Materials and methods: A total of 138 diabetic subjects (test group) and 128 nondiabetic subjects (control group) were included in the study. Periodontal parameters, such as plaque index, gingival index, and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) index were recorded. Oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used to evaluate effect of periodontal health on quality of life. Results: Plaque index and gingival index scores were greater among test group, but were not statistically significant. The CPITN score was statistically significant when compared with control and test groups. When the mean of OHIP-14 scores was compared among two groups, five of the seven subdimensions were statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found when overall total OHIP score was compared among control and test groups. Conclusion: Overall oral health and observed oral health-related quality of life were lower among diabetic subjects in comparison with nondiabetics. Periodontal health was poorer and needs more attention among diabetic patients.