Evaluation of periodontal status of adult patients with diabetics and measurement of their awareness levels about periodontal health

Aim: The aim of our study was to evaluate the periodontal status of diabetic patients, to measure the level of awareness of adult patients with diabetes about diabetes and periodontal disease, and to increase their awareness. Materials and Methods: In our study, 242 adult patients who were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus and followed and treated in Dicle University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Endocrinology participated. Demographic data, history of diabetes, oral dental health habits, periodontal index values, caries and missing teeth were recorded. A questionnaire was applied to assess the level of awareness about the relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes. The relationship between the obtained data was evaluated statistically. Results: In our study, 67.6% of the participants had uncontrolled diabetes, 96.5% had stage 3 (35.8%) and grade C (68.9%) periodontitis. The rate of occasional (36.50%) and horizontal brushing (48.60%) was the highest. It was determined that they did not apply to the dentist unless they had a complaint (76.1%), and the proportion of those who gave information about their diabetes when they visited the dentist was high (69.5%). 'Bleeding is the most important symptom of gum disease' (%60), 'Regular tooth brushing is necessary for the protection of gum health'(%91,5), the majority of the respondents agreed with the information. 'Diabetic patients are 2-3 times more at risk for gum disease'(74,5), 'Diabetes can cause oral complications such as dry mouth ' (%58), the majority of the respondents were undecided/don't know. Conclusion: It was determined that the level of knowledge of diabetic patients about the relationship between oral dental health habits, periodontal disease and diabetes was insufficient. Therefore, awareness-raising trainings about oral dental health should be provided by dentists in diabetes care trainings and a multidisciplinary treatment strategy should be provided with periodontologists when necessary. Key Words: complication, diabetes, level of awareness, periodontal health