Awareness of Oral Health Implications of Diabetes, among Diabetic Patients Attending a General Hospital in Bengaluru

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Background: Diabetes mellitus is a major global public health problem associated with several oral health complications, including periodontal disease, dental caries, xerostomia, oral infections, and delayed wound healing. Despite the well-established bidirectional relationship between diabetes and oral health, awareness among diabetic patients remains limited, which may adversely affect preventive oral healthcare practices and glycaemic control. Aim: To assess awareness regarding the impact of diabetes on oral health among diabetic patients attending General Hospital, Yelahanka, Bengaluru. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based study was conducted among 272 diabetic patients over a 3-month period. Data were collected using a structured, validated, and modified questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic characteristics, diabetes-related variables, dental visit history, and awareness regarding the oral manifestations of diabetes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Statistics Version 26.0. Associations were analysed using Chi-square, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Overall awareness regarding the relationship between diabetes and oral health was very poor. Only 9.2% of participants were aware that diabetes affects the Oral health, while awareness regarding gum bleeding (7.0%), dry mouth (4.4%), delayed wound healing (4.4%), oral infections (0.4%), and the role of oral hygiene in diabetes control (0.4%) was extremely low. Participants with uncontrolled diabetes demonstrated significantly higher awareness than those with controlled diabetes for most awareness (p<0.05). Similarly, participants who had previously visited a dentist showed significantly greater awareness regarding selected oral manifestations of diabetes (p<0.05). Conclusion: Awareness of the impact of diabetes on oral health was low among diabetic patients, highlighting substantial gaps in patient education. Integrating structured oral health education and routine dental counselling into diabetes care, along with collaboration between medical and dental professionals, is essential to improve awareness, promote preventive oral healthcare practices, and support better diabetes management.

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