Oral health education for patients with diabetes type 2 and impact on oral health status

Abstract

Oral health education has a major impact on the oral health and general health status of patients living with Diabetes. Knowledge empowers the patient to change behaviours, control, adapt and manage this chronic disease preventing or minimising associated health and oral complications. Patients with diabetes type 2 are on the rise in Malta. This study is to understand whether oneon-one education is acceptable form of intervention amongst these patients. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine whether one-on-one education has an impact on behavioural change regarding oral health in patients with diabetes type 2. Method: 49 patients with diabetes type 2 over the age of 18 and attending the Endocrine and Diabetes Department and the Dental Teaching Clinic were included in this study. Participants were clinically examined within the Endocrine and Diabetes Department and the Dental Teaching Clinic. Standard dental mirror and CPITN-C probe were used for the assessment. Participants were assessed through inclusion and exclusion criteria. Each person was examined with indices using: Oral Hygiene Index (OH-I), Gingival Index (GI), Clinical Oral Dryness Score Index (CODS) and ICDAS total scores were also collected and recorded in data collection forms. Results: Half of the participants were aware of the impact of diabetes on oral health in the first visit, 64% was reached after one-on-one education. No statistical significance was noted. Significant difference was found on knowledge regarding improvement glucose level (p=0.025). After receiving one-on-one education participants improved their oral health care habits with improved frequency of brushing (p=0.139). Gingival Index was significantly improved (p=0.003) GI mean changed from 7.8 at first to 4.8 at second visit. Mean value of DMFT was recorded at 11.54 in the group that completed the study. Conclusion: One-on-one education the effect of the research was positive, especially in increasing toothbrushing habits and consequently, improving oral health status. Oral hygiene education is essential for diabetic patients and an ongoing reinforcement will help with positive behavioural changes contributing towards healthier lifestyle. Recommendations for practice, education and further research were proposed in this study.