DMFT Index of Type 2 Diabetic Patients Attending UNRWA Health Centers in Gaza Governorates

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Oral Health (OH) is an essential component of general health, oral diseases have a negative social impact and adverse consequences on the quality of life, while their treatment places a considerable economic burden on individuals, communities and countries. Oral diseases are related to a number of risk factors and determinants that are common to Diabetes Mellitus (DM) which have oral implications. This study aimed to know DMFT index among type 2 diabetic patients attending UNRWA health centers in Gaza Governorates. Method: An analytical cross-sectional study of 406 patients with type 2 DM selected through systematic random sampling from 5 UNRWA health centers. The World Health Organization’s basic methods tools were used to collect data and assess OH. Results: The mean Decayed Missing Filled Teeth (DMFT) score was 18.6. No treatment was needed for 8.4%, while prompt treatment including scaling was needed for 70.1% of participants. DMFT index was a statistically signifi cant associated (p = 0.001) with Age, educational level, employment status, frequency of teeth brushing, diabetic duration (p = 0.038), and Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c) (p = 0.002). DMFT index was higher among males participants and participants under the deep poverty line. Conclusion: Within the limits of the present study, the results indicated that patients with type 2 DM have high DMFT index, and unaware of oral implications of diabetes, a new UNRWA strategy for oral health must be devised for non-communicable disease patients.