Periodontal status of type I diabetics compared to non-diabetic participants: a preliminary study.

A preliminary group matched comparison study of periodontal status was conducted among Indian participants who had type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) and non-diabetic controls. The mean number of bleeding sites, gigival index score, number of periodontal pocket's and number of clinical loss attachment sites were all significantly higher in cases compared to controls. This study provides evidence that people with type I diabetes mellitus have a higher risk of gingival and periodontal disease.

Barriers to oral health care amongst different social classes in India.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the influence of social and cultural factors as access barriers to oral health care amongst people from various social classes. BASIC RESEARCH DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: A cross sectional survey in Pimpri, was conducted using a pilot tested 15 item-structured, close-ended and self-administered questionnaire. Two hundred and fifty people aged 35-45 years (50 participants each in five social classes as per British Registrar's General classification of occupation) were selected. The chi-square test was applied to check statistical differences between social classes at 5% level of significance. RESULTS: Overall, it was observed that irrespective of the social class difference 88% participants wished to seek only expert/professional advice for the dental treatment. Unavailability of services on Sunday (63%), going to dentist only when in pain (57%), trying self care or home remedy (54%), inadequate government policies (50%), budgetary constraints (40%) were among the major access barriers. Statistically significant difference in the access barriers among the social classes were found related to: Inadequate government policies, budgetary constraints, appointment schedules, far-off located clinics, myths and fear about dental treatment. CONCLUSION: Social and cultural factors act as access barriers to oral health care and social class differences have a significant influence on the access barriers.