Oral health in Thai patients with metabolic syndrome

Abstract

Aim: To study the prevalence of oral manifestations, xerostomia, hyposalivation and level of oral microflora in a group of Thai patients with metabolic syndrome (MS) and to determine if there is any association between MS and these oral health components. Methods: Data including patients' histories, general health, dental and periodontal status, oral mucosal manifestations, xerostomia, hyposalivation and oral microflora in 369 patients with MS were collected and statistically analyzed. Results: Ninety-four subjects (25.5%) were men and 275 (74.5%) were women, with age range from 32 to 88 years (mean = 63.9 ± 10.4). Of these, 231 patients (62.6%) were older than 60 years old. Dental caries in at least 1 tooth and periodontitis were found in 184 (49.9%) and 192 (52.0%) patients, respectively. Oral mucosal manifestations were found in 203 patients (55.0%). The most prevalent manifestation was fissured tongue (41.5%), followed by denture stomatitis (9.2%) and depapillated tongue (3.0%). Dry mucosa was depicted in 203 patients (55.0%). Xerostomia was revealed in 157 patients (42.5%) while hyposalivation was detected in 202 patients (54.7%). Twenty four percent of patients had high Candida level. Significant association was found between Candida level and hyposalivation and also hyposalivation, xerostomia and dry mucosa. Conclusions: Approximately half of the patients with metabolic syndrome presented with dental caries, periodontitis, dry mouth, oral mucosal changes and approximately one fourth had high Candida level. © 2009 Diabetes India.