Tooth Loss and General Health Conditions in a Group of Diabetic Patients Eligible for Bariatric Surgery in a Brazilian Public Hospital

Objectives: The present study was aimed at evaluating tooth loss, general health and central obesity and co-morbidities in adult diabetic patients.
Methods: Cross-sectional study including 200 adult diabetic patients (41 men and 159 women) in the age range between 20 and 71 years, developed at a Brazilian public hospital. Anthropometric measurements; central obesity; general obesity; and functional tooth units were evaluated. Additionally, the presence of hypertension; dyslipidemia; hepatic steatosis; sleep apnea; arthropathy; alcohol abuse and smoking habits were evaluated. The Numbers spreadsheet app were utilized for statistical analysis and data classification.
Results: Mean BMI and WC were, respectively, 50.80 kg/m² and 150.80 cm in men, and 50.09 kg/m2 and 138.87 cm in women. All patients were at high risk considering waist circumference. Mean obesity time was 14.95 and 16.19 year, respectively, for men and women. Evidenced co-morbidities: hypertension (M 87.80%/F 86.16%); dyslipidemia (M 24.39%/F 33.96%), hepatic steatosis (M 2.44%/F 7.55 %); sleep apnea (M 46.34%/F 27.67%). In both groups the majority of patients takes more than three drugs for co-morbidities treatment. Tooth loss assessment was based on functional units present at the first appointment: Average functional tooth units corresponded to 9.15 and 7.25 respectively for man and women. Tooth loss was greater in the female group, in patients with a longer obesity time, in older patients, in those with higher BMI, and taking more drugs. Average functional tooth units corresponded to 9.15 and 7.25 respectively for men and women.
Conclusions: Class II and III Obesity diabetic patients eligible for bariatric surgery presented poor oral health. In the present sample, women, elderly, poor-health patients with higher BMI and longer lasting obesity, deserve closer attention by a multiprofessional team including a dentist.