Diabetic Patients Knowledge, Attitude and Practice toward Oral Health

Abstract

Despite the worldwide recognition of the dangers of diabetes mellitus, diabetic patients’ awareness of and attitudes toward their heightened risk for oral diseases has not been fully addressed. Oral hygiene behavior and seeking oral health care depend on a number of factors. Lack of knowledge about dental health and comply better with hygiene is among the reasons for non-adherence to oral hygiene practices, economical constrains, lack of facilities and lack of proper guidance. The Purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of diabetic patients about their risk for oral diseases as complications associated with diabetes, and  to assess their attitudes and practices toward sustaining good oral health through proper oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups. A cross sectional study was conducted including 612 diabetic patients visiting the primary health care centers in abha city. Results showed that More than half of the included patients (52.3%) were not aware that diabetic patients are more prone to oral diseases and only less than half of them (46.1%) and (46.4%) knew that DM. cause dental caries and affect gingival. The level of awareness and dental health knowledge in diabetic patients was deficient. Most diabetic patients knew about various medical complications of diabetes and the effect of DM on the body systems. About the attitude and practice of the diabetic patients towards oral health, the overall oral hygiene measures in diabetic patients were found to be good.

Keywords: Diabetic patient???,  knowledge, Attitude and practice,  oral Health