Application of community periodontal index of treatment need (CPITN) in a group of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patients

The aim of this study was to assess periodontal status and treatment need of insulin dependent diabetic mellitus patients by using the CPITN system and to shed additional light on the possible effects of the duration of diabetes on the periodontal status in these patients. A comparison was made between 150 diabetic patients and 150 control subjects. The surveys comprised of a self-administered questionnaire, along with medical and dental examinations. The results indicated that prevalence of code 0 was lower and code 1, 2 and 3 were higher in diabetic than control group. Oral hygiene instruction was required for 64.7 % of diabetic group and 47.3 % of control group. Professional scaling was required for 34.7 % of diabetic group and 20 % of control group. Complex treatment required for 2 % of diabetic group and 0.7 % of control group. To conclude, strong association was found between diabetes and periodontal health in the present study. Hence, it is recommended that an oral examination should be one of the components of the initial visit for children and adolescents having diabetes.