Two Way Relationship between Diabetes and Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Knowledge, Awareness, and Attitude

Periodontitis is the inflammation of the periodontium which is the sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Periodontitis influences the development and progression of diabetes and its complications. Improved knowledge and attitude about periodontitis in diabetic patients reduce the risk of periodontal disease and its effects on the diabetic status. The current study aimed to assess the knowledge, awareness, and attitude of diabetic patients towards periodontal disease. A total of 400 diabetic patients from Karad, Maharashtra, > 35 years of age with a known history of diabetes, consenting to participate in the survey were included in the study. A one-to-one interview was conducted with all the subjects to complete the pretested close-ended questionnaire containing twenty questions. The data collected were analyzed using statistical software SPSS version 21. The total of 400 subjects who participated in the study, included 194 males (54.8%) and 206 females (45.2%). The majority of subjects had a lack of knowledge, limited awareness, and poor attitude about the association between diabetes and periodontitis toward oral health. The overall knowledge, awareness, and attitude of diabetic patients towards periodontal disease were insufficient. There is a need to educate patients regarding periodontal complications in poorly controlled diabetics if oral healthcare is ignored. They should be educated and motivated about the importance of oral hygiene maintenance and rehabilitation.