Oral Health Knowledge and Behaviors among Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes
Table 2
Self-perception of oral health.
Adolescents with type 1 diabetes
U.S. National Norm
%
n
%
-value
How would you rate the health of your teeth?*
Excellent/very good
48.3
43
70.6
Good
39.3
35
21.5
<.001
Fair/poor
12.4
11
7.9
How would you rate the health of your gums?
NA
Excellent
10.2
9
Very good
33.0
29
Good
43.2
38
Fair
12.5
11
Poor
1.1
1
%
95% CI
%
-value
What specific problems, if any, do you have with your teeth and gums?
Pain/toothache*
5.8
1.9–12.9
10
.19
Cavities/decayed teeth or cavities*
25.9
16.8–36.9
19.4
.14
Bleeding gums*
31.8
22.3–42.6
4.0
<.001
Cosmetic concerns: discoloration**
40.7
30.2–51.8
3.6
<.001
Orthodontic concerns: crooked teeth**
41.5
30.7–52.9
33.5
.13
Bad breath
26.7
17.8–37.4
NA
Plaque or tartar buildup on teeth**
33.3
22.9–45.2
3.6
<.001
NA indicates that national normative data were not available.
*U.S. comparison data from the 2007 National Survey of Children’s Health [28]. The survey asked about specific problems within the past 6 months.
**U.S. comparison data from the 2003 National Survey of Children’s Health [27]. The survey asked about specific problems if parents reported that teeth were in fair or poor condition. Bleeding gums was phrased as “gum problems”.
