Oral health and type 2 diabetes in a socioeconomic perspective.

AIMS

This study aimed to examine the association between type 2 diabetes and poor self-rated oral health, and to investigate whether such association is modified by socioeconomic position.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study, including a population aged 18-75 years with self-reported type 2 diabetes (N = 41,884) and a sex-, age- and municipality-matched reference population from the Health in Central Denmark survey (2020). Multivariable logistic regression was used, and effect modification of indicators of socioeconomic position was examined.

RESULTS

Oral health was rated as poor in 37.0% of the population with type 2 diabetes and in 23.8% of the reference population without diabetes. Individuals with diabetes had higher risk of poor oral health (adjusted odds ratio (OR) 1.46 (95% CI: 1.39; 1.53)) than references. Interaction was seen between type 2 diabetes and highest attained education (p < 0.001). Stratified analyses showed higher risk of poor oral health in people with type 2 diabetes across all educational levels.

CONCLUSIONS

People with type 2 diabetes were more likely to rate their oral health as poor than the reference population. Low education strengthened the association between diabetes and poor oral health.