Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) patients' self-perception of periodontal diseases

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to evaluate type 1 DM (T1DM) patients’ self-perceived periodontal health status and to identify the association between PD and DM. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 113 T1DM children between 3 and 18 years old from the Universiti Teknologi MARA and the University of Malaya. Periodontal health parameters, including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), basic periodontal examination (BPE), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were recorded. Self-perceived periodontal health status was assessed with questionnaires. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the sensitivity of the questionnaire and the relationship between T1DM and periodontal parameters. Results: The median age was 11.4 years. Half of them (50.4%) were females. 83.5% rated their oral condition as good, while 27.5% reported a history of gingival bleeding. Clinical examination revealed that 48.7% had healthy gingiva, whereas 47.8% had gingivitis. The question “Do you have bleeding when brushing, flossing, or eating food?” showed good accuracy in the evaluation of PD (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The questionnaire has a high potential to be used by medical professionals in identifying T1DM patients at risk of PD to guide non-dental healthcare providers in making appropriate referrals to dental services. Clinical Relevance: Early detection and timely referral of PD under coordinated medical-dental care can enhance patients’ dental care and quality of life.