[Knowledge, behavior and perception of oral health in patients with type 2 diabetes].

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease occurs severely in patients with diabetes, also causes high blood glucose. The objective of this article was to determine knowledge, behavior and perception of oral health in patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Cross-sectional study performed at the Unidad de Medicina Familiar No. 26 in Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico; 376 patients with type 2 diabetes were included. Sociodemographic questionnaire, knowledge, behavior and perception of oral health was applied. RESULTS: 21% was sent to the dental service by the family doctor. 86% of the patients performed dental brushing 2-3 times a day; 57% perceived the relationship diabetes and oral health. In signs of oral disease they predominated with 34% gingival bleeding and inflammation with 30%. Main reason was for emergency dental surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The patient suffering from diabetes does not recognize the dentist as the main character in the comprehensive healthcare; on the other hand, the family doctor does not send a prevention stomatology. It is necessary to develop educational strategies focused on the family doctor and patient in terms of importance of oral health.