title: DENTAL LOSS AMONG AMBULATORY PATIENTS WITH DIABETES.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  There is a high prevalence of dental loss among patients with diabetes. Understanding the factors that impact dental loss in this population will aid with developing new strategies for its prevention.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using a cross-sectional study design, diabetes patients presenting for routine clinic visit were evaluated with an investigator-administered questionnaire. Data was collected on demographics, dental history, duration, control and complications of diabetes.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among 202 subjects, 100 were female, mean age: 58.9 ± 13.2 years, duration of diabetes: 15.8 ± 11.0 years, and hemoglobin A1c: 7.7 ± 1.6%. Thirty-one patients (15.3%) had lost all their teeth and only 13 (6.4%) had all 32 of their natural teeth. Using multiple linear regression, older age (β= - 0.146; 95% CI: - 0.062 to - 0.230), not flossing (β= - 3.462; 95% CI: - 1.107 to - 5.817), and presence of diabetic retinopathy (β= - 4.271; 95% CI: - 1.307 to - 7.236) were significant predictors of dental loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Dental loss is common in patients with diabetes and is associated with older age, diabetic retinopathy and not flossing. In order to reduce dental loss among patients with diabetes, regular flossing should be emphasized as an important component of dental care.
authors.affiliation: Internal Medicine, University of Nevada School of Medicine - Las Vegas, 1701 West Charleston Boulevard, Suite 230, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA.
authors.forename: Kenneth E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Izuora
authors.affiliation: School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
authors.forename: Echezona E
authors.initials: EE
authors.lastname: Ezeanolue
authors.affiliation: School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, 1700 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA.
authors.forename: Michael F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Neubauer
authors.affiliation: School of Dental Medicine, University of Nevada - Las Vegas, 1700 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA.
authors.forename: Civon L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Gewelber
authors.affiliation: Office of Medical Research, University of Nevada School of Medicine - Las Vegas, Suite 290, 1701 West Charleston Boulevard, Las Vegas, NV 89102, USA.
authors.forename: Gayle L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Allenback
authors.affiliation: Endocrinology, Emory University School of Medicine, 100 Woodruff Circle, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
authors.forename: Guillermo E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Umpierrez
keywords: Diabetes; complications; dental loss