The Influence of Glycemic Status and Sociodemographic Factors on Patients' Dental Caries Risk and Experience in Lagos, Nigeria

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BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder with systemic and oral health implications, including an increased risk of dental caries. This study investigates the associations between glycemic status, sociodemographic factors, and caries risk and experience, utilizing robust statistical analyses to comprehensively understand these relationships. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among diabetic and non-diabetic individuals, with data collected on sociodemographic characteristics, glycemic status, and oral health indicators. Caries risk and experience were assessed using standard clinical diagnostic criteria. Bivariate analyses (chi-square and t-tests) were performed to examine associations between categorical and continuous variables, while multivariate logistic regression models were employed to adjust for potential confounders and determine independent predictors of caries risk and experience. Adjusted odds ratios [aOR] with 95%CI were reported. RESULTS: Diabetics had a significantly higher mean age (59.49±13.06) than non-diabetics (48.39±16.97, p<0.001). Female participants were more prevalent among diabetics (56.4%, p=0.002), and lower educational attainment was more common (69.4% had primary education, p=0.010). Income disparities were observed, with diabetics more frequently belonging to the lowest income category (<10,000; 88.9%, p<0.001). Bivariate analyses revealed a strong association between diabetes and high caries risk (p<0.001). Among diabetics, individuals with lower income and education had significantly higher odds of developing new caries over 36 months. Ethnicity was also a significant factor, with Yoruba participants showing the highest proportion of moderate caries risk, while Igbo participants exhibited greater caries prevalence. CONCLUSION: Diabetes is a determinant of caries risk and experience, with sociodemographic disparities further exacerbating oral health inequalities. The findings emphasize the necessity of targeted preventive interventions, routine dental screenings, and oral health education tailored to high-risk diabetic populations. Future longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the causal pathways underlying these associations.