Study of Oral Health Practices Among Patients with Type 2 Diabetes at a Tertiary Hospital in Kaduna State

The bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease makes oral health management a critical component of diabetes care, and documenting oral health practices among diabetic patients in North West Nigeria provides evidence for integrated care pathways. This study examined the oral health knowledge, attitudes, and practices of patients with type 2 diabetes attending the endocrinology clinic at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 300 type 2 diabetic patients. A structured questionnaire assessed awareness of the diabetes-oral health link, toothbrushing and interdental cleaning frequency, dental visit history, and glycaemic control status. Results showed that only 29.3 percent were aware of the connection between diabetes and gum disease. Regular dental visits were practised by only 16.0 percent. Daily twice brushing was reported by 42.7 percent. Among those with documented HbA1c above 7 percent, significantly worse periodontal indices were recorded. Only 9.3 percent had ever been referred to a dentist by their physician. Oral candidiasis was identified clinically in 14.7 percent. The study concludes that oral health is poorly integrated into diabetes care at this institution, despite significant oral complications. Recommendations include routine oral health screening for all diabetes patients, training endocrinology staff in basic oral health assessment, establishing a joint diabetes-oral health clinic, and patient education on the glycaemia-periodontal disease link at ABUTH Zaria.

Keywords: oral health, diabetes mellitus, periodontal disease, Kaduna State, integrated care