BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major public health problem that badly affects oral health and overall quality of life. This study aimed to examine oral health problems and associated factors of type 2 DM patients attending governmental primary health centers (PHCs) in the Gaza strip, Palestine.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was applied to 376 patients with type 2 DM selected through systematic random sampling from five randomly selected governmental PHCs. The World Health Organization Decayed, Missing and Filling Tooth (DMFT) index and semistructured questionnaire were used to collect data accordingly. Descriptive and analytical analyses were applied using the using the IBM SPSS for windows version 23, IBM, USA software.

RESULTS

The mean DMFT index is 13.18 ± 6.39, and it is higher among patients having type 2 DM for more than 10 years and with a history of chronic diseases. The mean teeth with loss of attachment are 1.88 ± 0.76 and are higher among males, exsmokers, patients having type 2 DM for more than 10 years, and those with a history of chronic diseases. Gingival bleeding is higher among males and exsmokers. The majority of participants had no periodontitis (160/376; 42.6%). In return, 8.5% (32/376) presents with severe periodontitis. The mean of pocket is higher among patients having uncontrolled DM and type 2 DM <10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with type 2 DM suffer from many oral health problems, especially dental caries, periodontitis and loss of attachment. The findings underscore the significance of early intervention and consistent dental care for people with type 2 DM in order to avert and handle oral health complications. Oral health education campaigns that are effective should be customized to meet the particular cultural, socioeconomic, and healthcare challenges.