Prevalence of Hypertension among Dental Patients with Diabetes Mellitus: An Institutional Study

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension co-exists in many individuals as the pathogenic relationship between diabetes mellitus and hypertension is actually bidirectional. Extraction of teeth is a common procedure performed in Dentistry and the Co-existence of these systemic diseases in dental patients can cause many complications like delayed wound healing, infection or bleeding during dental extractions. The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of hypertension among dental patients with diabetes mellitus in south Indian population. A retrospective study was conducted from the data of 6682 dental patients who visited the outpatient Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha University, Chennai, for dental extractions due to various reasons during the time period from June 2019 – to March 2020. Patients data was retrieved from the institutional digital data registry and statistically analysed. Among 6682 patients who underwent extractions, 904 [13.5%] patients had diabetes mellitus. Among 904 patients with diabetes mellitus, 419 [46.3%] patients had hypertension. Prevalence of hypertension was more in males than females and the results were statistically not significant [p=0.062, (>0.05)]. Prevalence of hypertension was more in 41-50 years age group and the results were statistically significant. [p<0.001, (<0.05)]. According to our study, a high proportion of patients with diabetes mellitus undergoing dental extractions had hypertension which can cause increased morbidity and mortality. Males and patients belonging to fifth decade of life were more affected by both diabetes mellitus and hypertension.