Prevalence and Risk Factors of Dental Caries in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study
1Qasim Raza, 2Mansoor Musa, 3Dr. Saima Asim, 4Qaisar Mumtaz, 5 Muhammad Yousaf Ali, 6Nazneen Tabassum
Submission: 31 January 2026 | Acceptance: 20 February 2026 | Publication: 25 March 2026
1Assistant Professor, PIMS Islamabad
2Assistant Professor, Poonch Medical College, CMH Rawlakot
3Associate Professor, Community and Preventive Dentistry, Hamdard college of Medicine and Dentistry
4Professor, Dental Section, Hamdard college of Medicine and Dentistry
5Assistant professor, Mayo Hospital, Lahore
6Hope Family Clinic Faisalabad
ABSTRACT:
Background: Dental caries is a widespread oral health problem that can be exacerbated by systemic conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Individuals with T2DM are often at increased risk of oral infections due to impaired immune responses, altered salivary composition, and higher glucose levels in oral fluids. Understanding the prevalence and contributing risk factors of dental caries in this population is essential for targeted preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Aim: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries and identify associated risk factors in patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at PIMS Hospital, Islamabad, from June 2024 to May 2025. A total of 130 patients with confirmed diagnoses of type 2 diabetes mellitus were enrolled using a consecutive sampling technique. Data were collected through clinical oral examinations to determine the presence and severity of dental caries using the DMFT (Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth) index. A structured questionnaire was used to gather information on demographic details, glycemic control, oral hygiene practices, duration of diabetes, and dietary habits. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0 to identify significant associations between risk factors and dental caries prevalence.
Results: Out of 130 patients, 98 (75.4%) exhibited at least one form of dental caries. The mean DMFT score was 6.3 ± 2.4. Poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 7%) was significantly associated with higher caries prevalence (p < 0.01). Additional factors contributing to increased risk included poor oral hygiene practices, longer duration of diabetes (≥10 years), and frequent consumption of sugary foods. Age, gender, and educational level did not show a statistically significant association with caries prevalence.
Conclusion: The prevalence of dental caries was notably high among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Poor glycemic control, inadequate oral hygiene, and prolonged disease duration emerged as key risk factors. These findings underscore the importance of integrating dental care into routine diabetes management to reduce oral health complications in this vulnerable population.
Keywords: Dental caries, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, Prevalence, Risk factors, Oral health, Glycemic control, Cross-sectional study.