Dental loss among ambulatory patients with diabetes

• Patients with diabetes have a high prevalence of dental loss and periodontal disease.
• This study aimed to determine the association of particular clinical variables with dental loss.
• Patients with diabetes were evaluated on clinical variables via investigator questionnaire.
• Number of remaining teeth was counted by investigator to assess dental loss.
• Age, not flossing, and presence of diabetic retinopathy predicted dental loss.

AimsThere 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.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional study design, patients with diabetes presenting for routine clinic visit were evaluated with an investigator-administered questionnaire. Data were collected on demographics, dental history, duration, control and complications of diabetes.ResultsAmong 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 patients (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.ConclusionsDental 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.