Relationship between Diabetes Mellitus and Tooth Loss in
Adults Residing in Ubonratchathani Province, Thailand
Watcharaporn Sensorn DDS*,
Supaporn Chatrchaiwiwatana PhD**, Sauwanan Bumrerraj MD***
Affiliation :
* Nachaluay Hospital, Ubonratchathani, Thailand
** Faculty of Dentistry, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
*** Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen, Thailand
Background : Diabetes mellitus is associated with oral diseases or oral complications leading to tooth loss. Prevalence of
diabetes and tooth loss in Thailand is increasing.
Objective : Determine the relationship between diabetes mellitus and tooth loss in adults residing in Nachaluay district,
Ubonratchathani province, Thailand during the year 2010.
Material and Method: A Cross-sectional analytic study included 605 adults (130 males and 475 females), aged 20 to 86
years, of which 226 subjects did not have diabetes mellitus, and 379 people were diabetic patients. The subjects received
an interview and oral examination. Data analysis was performed using descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable logistic
regression analyses.
Results : Findings from the final multivariable logistic regression model showed that tooth loss (defined as missing ≥ 1 teeth)
was associated significantly with age, diabetes mellitus, dental caries, loss of clinical attachment level 6 mm ≥ 2 sides, and
use of fluoride toothpaste, with the adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) being 1.067 (1.047,1.088), 1.729 (1.092,2.738), 1.149
(1.071, 1.232), 2.436 (1.575, 3.767), and 0.541 (0.321, 0.914), respectively.
Conclusion : Tooth loss was associated directly with diabetes mellitus in Thai adults. Therefore, prevention and promotion
as well as early treatment of diabetes and oral diseases should be achieved to reduce occurrence, severity, and complications
resulting from diabetes mellitus and tooth loss.
Keywords : Diabetes mellitus, Tooth loss, Periodontitis, Dental caries, Thailand
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