Periodontal health, xerostomia and oral health-related quality of life in controlled vs. uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Abstract Background Diabetes mellitus is a complex endocrine condition affecting the periodontal status of an individual. The current study aimed to assess oral health related quality of life (OHRQL), xerostomia severity, and periodontal status in both controlled and uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes mellitus. (T2DM) Methods Eighty patients with type 2 diabetes aged between 35 and 70 were divided equally in Group I: patients with controlled T2DM and Group II: patients with uncontrolled T2DM. Clinical attachment level (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) parameters were assessed. Additionally, xerostomia severity was determined through questionnaire of 11-point xerostomia inventory and OHRQL through 14-point oral health impact profile. (OHIP-14) Results The mean HbA1C values differed significantly in the two groups with Group I exhibiting values of 6.97 ± 0.45 gm% and Group II with 9.78 ± 2.31 gm%. The patients in Group II had significantly higher mean PD, CAL, and BOP values in comparisonto Group I. Similar corresponding values were obtained for xerostomia severity and OHIP-14 scores for OHRQL. On comparison between the groups the periodontal status manifested by clinical parameters exhibited more severity while xerostomia severity and OHRQL, was negatively impacted in Group II patients when compared with Group I. Conclusion Poor glycaemic control substantially influences periodontal health, xerostomia severity, and oral health-related quality of life. Early periodontal intervention and maintenance of optimal glycaemic control are crucial to improve overall oral and systemic health in diabetic patients. Trial registration number CTRI/2025/04/086064 Date: 30 April 2025.