A retrospective study of 6,868 patients found that diabetes mellitus was associated with higher risks of oral and maxillofacial pathologies, including malignant tumors, periodontal disease, apical periodontitis, periapical cysts, and root remnants.
The research analyzed patient records from the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of “Sfântul Spiridon” Emergency Hospital in Iasi, Romania, from 2018 to 2024. Of the total patients, 925 (13%) had diabetes mellitus, while 5,943 (87%) did not. The mean age was 50 years, and 57% were male. Oral pathologies were diagnosed clinically, radiographically, or histopathologically. Diabetes mellitus was confirmed according to World Health Organization criteria. Statistical analyses included Chi-square testing, Student’s t-test, odds ratios, and relative risks.
Diabetes was more common in men (59%), patients older than 54 years (51%), and urban residents (51%).
Malignant tumors were identified in 222 patients (3%). Among patients with diabetes, 139 of 925 (15%) were affected compared with 83 of 5,943 non-diabetic patients (1%). The risk was more than five times higher in the diabetes group.
Periodontal disease was diagnosed in 85 patients (1%). It was present in 51 of 925 patients with diabetes (6%) compared with 34 of 5,943 patients without diabetes (1%), reflecting nearly a fivefold increased risk.
Apical periodontitis occurred in 107 patients (2%). It was found in 49 patients with diabetes (5%) compared with 58 patients without diabetes (1%), representing more than a threefold higher risk.
Periapical cysts affected 66 patients (1%). Of these, 22 were in the diabetes group (2%) compared with 43 in the non-diabetes group (1%), a more than twofold higher risk.
Root remnants were the most common condition overall, affecting 444 patients (7%). These occurred in 83 patients with diabetes (9%) compared with 361 patients without diabetes (6%), indicating a modestly higher risk.
Limitations included incomplete records, lack of data on smoking, body mass index, and other comorbidities, as well as the absence of laboratory markers such as systemic or salivary biomarkers. These gaps restricted further evaluation of additional risk factors.
Diabetic patients had higher risks of malignant tumors, periodontal disease, apical periodontitis, periapical cysts, and root remnants compared with non-diabetic patients. The greatest risks were observed for malignant tumors and periodontal disease. The authors concluded that “the strong correlation between diabetes and oral pathologies, particularly malignancies and periodontal disease, underscores the need for early screening, preventive care, and targeted management strategies for diabetic patients.”
The authors reported no conflicts of interest.
Source: Dentistry Journal
