Number of teeth lost on diet quality and glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus

• Published in: Archives of Endocrinology and Metabolism Vol. 66; no. 1; pp. 40 - 49
• Main Authors: da Silveira, Danieli Londero, da Rosa Carlos Monteiro, Laura Emanuelle, da Silva Christofoli, Christofer, Schaan, Beatriz D, Telo, Gabriela Heiden
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Brazil Sociedade Brasileira de Endocrinologia e Metabologia 01-01-2022; Brazilian Society of Endocrinology and Metabolism
• Subjects: Adult; blood glucose; Diabetes mellitus; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Diet; Glycemic Control; Humans; Oral Health; Original; Self Care; tooth loss; blood glucose; oral health; tooth loss; Diabetes mellitus
• ISSN: 2359-3997; 2359-4292
• DOI: 10.20945/2359-3997000000429

To describe the oral health profile and evaluate the impact of tooth loss on diet quality and glycemic control among 66 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treated in an endocrinology outpatient clinic at a teaching hospital.
Questionnaires about diabetes self-care (SDSCA), masticatory ability, diet quality, anxiety level about dental treatment, and oral health were applied. Laboratory tests were retrieved from medical records or newly collected samples.
The presence of fewer than 21 teeth was associated with an unsatisfactory self-perceived masticatory ability (r = 0.44; p = 0.007). Most participants reported not having received guidance on oral health from their endocrinologists (81.8%) and having had the last visit to the dentist 2 years or more before the study (36.8%). The mean HbA1c level in the group with fewer than 21 teeth was comparable to that in the group with functional dentition (8.9 ± 1.5 and 8.7 ± 1.6%, respectively; p = 0.60).
Adults with T2DM have a high prevalence of tooth loss and lack of information about oral hygiene care. Our results reinforce the need for more effective communication between medical and dental care teams.