EC Dental Science

Oral diseases constitute a significant public health challenge due to their widespread occurrence and impact, particularly affecting vulnerable and marginalized communities. Developing countries are experiencing a shift in disease patterns, with a decline in infectious diseases and nutritional deficiencies, accompanied by a simultaneous rise in diabetes mellitus, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This transition is evident in the Eastern Mediterranean Region as well. The acceleration of this transition is primarily attributed to the adoption of westernized lifestyles, alongside the growth of urbanization and economic development. There is an increasing prevalence of obesity and an excessive availability of food energy, surpassing actual requirements. Moreover, a rising trend of higher sugar consumption is observed in most states.

 Keywords: Dental Clinics; Potential Health Center; Diabetes Mellitus; World Health Organization (WHO)

1. Hussain A and Ali I. “Diabetes mellitus in Pakistan: a major public health concern”. Archives of Pharmacy Practice1 (2016): 30.
2. Wild S., et al. “Global prevalence of diabetes: estimates for the year 2000 and projections for2030”. Diabetes Care 5 (2004): 1047-1053.
3. Azeem S., et al. “The increasing rate of diabetes in Pakistan: A silent killer”. Annals of Medicine and Surgery 79 (2022): 103901.
4. Hirsch R. “Diabetes and periodontitis”. Australian Prescriber 2 (2004): 36.
5. Ali M., et al. “Pattern and Knowledge of HbA1C Testing among Diabetic Patients at The Indus Hospital (TIH), Karachi”. Age1-96 (2022): 68.
6. Soskolne WA and Klinger A. “The relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes: an overview”. Annals of Periodontology 6 (2001): 91-98.
7. Abdul Rehman KAB. “Diabetes mellitus and its oral complications: a brief review”. Pakistan Oral and Dental Journal (PODJ) 26 (2006): 97-100.
8. Sandberg GE., et al. “Type-II diabetes and oral health: a comparison between diabetic and non-diabetic subjects”. Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice 50 (2000): 27-34.
9. Khader YS., et al. “Periodontal status of diabetics compared with non-diabetics: a meta-analysis”. Journal of Diabetes and its Complications 20 (2006): 59-68.
10. Shera AS., et al. “Pakistan national diabetes survey: prevalence of glucose intolerance and associated factors in Shikarpur, Sindh Province”. Diabetes Medications 12 (1995): 1116-1121.
11. Tanwir F., et al. “Perception of oral health among adults in Karachi”. Oral Health and Preventive Dentistry 4 (2006): 83-89.
12. Masood MK., et al. “Oral health knowledge, attitude, and practices and sources of information for diabetic patients in Lahore, Pakistan”. Diabetes Care 30 (2007): 3046-3047.
13. Borrell LN., et al. “Prevalence and trends in periodontitis in the USA: the [corrected] NHANES, 1988 to 2000”. Journal of Dental Research 84 (2005): 924-930.