Description of knowledge, attitudes and practices to maintain oral hygiene as well as gingival index and plaque index in children suffering from type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease whose incidence continues to increase throughout the world. Periodontal disease is a complication of diabetes. Poor periodontal health can lead to a variety of serious health problems. Therefore, this research is considered important to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices to maintain oral hygiene as well as gingival index and plaque index in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: To determine the description of knowledge, attitudes and practices to maintain oral hygiene as well as gingival index and plaque index in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Method: This research is a cross-sectional observational analytical study consisting of 32 respondents from children suffering from T1DM and members of IKADAR Malang. The instrument used was a questionnaire to measure knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding cleaning teeth and mouth; insulin injection compliance, diet, and physical activity. Hba1c to determine DMT-1 status. Gingival and plaque index.

Results and discussions: Respondents with controlled diabetes, good knowledge, attitudes and practices all had healthy gingiva and good PI, namely 3 (15.79%). respondents with regular insulin, good diet and low physical activity all had uncontrolled diabetes, namely 2 (7.14%).

Conclusion: The majority of respondents have uncontrolled diabetes, knowledge, attitudes, practices to maintain good oral hygiene, healthy gingiva, and good PI in one unit, namely 9. The majority of respondents have regular insulin injection compliance, moderate diet, low physical activity, and uncontrolled diabetes mellitus status in one unit, namely 17.