Tooth Mobility Pattern in Periodontitis Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Background: Tooth mobility may be a common problem among patients seeking dental treatment. Tooth mobility is defined as an extent of horizontal and vertical tooth displacement created by external forces, trauma and periodontal diseases.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the pattern of tooth mobility in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Study design: Retrospective study

Materials and methods: The case sheet records ( DIAS data ) of tooth mobility in diabetic patients were extracted. A total of 1568 case sheets were analysed for the study. Age, gender and pattern of tooth mobility with respect to the region were collected and statistically analysed using SPSS statistical software. Descriptive statistics (percentage, mean, SD) and inferential test (Chi square test) were performed to determine the association between age, gender and region of tooth mobility in diabetes mellitus patients.

Results: Results showed that tooth mobility was more common among males when compared to females. According to age, patients between 41 to 50 years with diabetes mellitus were more affected by tooth mobility. Tooth mobility was more commonly seen in the mandibular anterior region.

Conclusion: The present study showed a possible relationship between diabetes mellitus and tooth mobility. Results showed that 80% of patients with diabetes mellitus had tooth mobility. Therefore, early diagnosis, preventive therapeutic measures and oral hygiene reinforcement is needed to prevent progression of periodontal disease leading to tooth mobility.