Assessment of periodontal treatment needs among adults with diabetes in Finland.
OBJECTIVE
People with diabetes have a high risk for periodontal disease, which can be considered one of the complications of diabetes. We evaluated periodontal treatment needs using the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Needs (CPITN) in relation to diabetes-related factors and oral hygiene.


METHODS
The sample consisted of 120 dentate diabetics, all of whom were regular patients at the Salo Regional Hospital Diabetes Clinic. The nurses, who interviewed the patients, collected data on duration and type of diabetes, complications, and HbA1c level. Clinical periodontal examination included identification of visible plaque, the presence of calculus and use of the CPITN.


RESULTS
The CPITN score 3 was the most prevalent. According to the logistic regression model, poor metabolic control was significantly related to pathologic pockets. No significant association was found between diabetes-related factors and the highest individual CPITN score of 4, which was, in turn, significantly associated with extensive calculus.


CONCLUSIONS
Excessive periodontal treatment needs found, indicate that current dental care may be insufficient in adults with diabetes. Oral health among high-risk groups, especially those with poor metabolic control, should be promoted by collaboration between dental and health care professionals involved in diabetes care.
Karikoski
A
A
Department of Oral Public Health, Institute of Dentistry, University of Helsinki, Finland.
Murtomaa
H
H
Ilanne-Parikka
P
P
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003728:Dental Calculus / Q000145:classification; D003774:Dental Plaque Index; D048909:Diabetes Complications; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000145:classification; D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D010510:Periodontal Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D010512:Periodontal Index; D010514:Periodontal Pocket / Q000145:classification; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D013997:Time Factors
D006442:Glycated Hemoglobin