Database analysis of a French type 2 diabetic population shows a specific age pattern of tooth extractions and correlates health care utilization.

AIMS: To assess the relationship between type 2 diabetes and tooth loss and the predictive value of health behavior and routine dental care in regard to both dental and medical follow-ups. METHODS: Cross-sectional study from a national database of a French population of railways transport workers was conducted with a descriptive analysis between registered diabetic patients and non-diabetic subjects. The relationship between oral health and diabetes was measured by tooth extraction prevalence in regard to the frequency of scaling-prophylaxis sessions and the number of medical and dental appointments. RESULTS: The prevalence of tooth extractions in the type 2 diabetic population is 1.88 higher than the non-diabetic population. Diabetic patients tend to undergo dental extractions earlier and more often than non-diabetic individuals. They also have more medical appointments and less dental check-ups and scaling sessions than the non-diabetic population. CONCLUSION: Measured by tooth loss, type 2 diabetic patients have a significantly earlier detrimental oral status when compared to the non-diabetic population. They exhibit a different pattern in health care utilization of outpatient medical resources. Oral health surveillance is not correctly addressed by the medical and dental coverage of these diabetic patients. Emphasis should be directed on specific dental care programs aimed at preventing tooth loss.