Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine-related systemic metabolic disorder that is characterized by increased blood glucose levels and abnormalities in carbohydrate, protein, and lipid metabolism. Many studies show a high prevalence rate of periodontal diseases as well as increased severity in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients, including greater attachment loss, increased alveolar bone loss, marked bleeding on probing, and increased mobility of teeth. The current study aims to evaluate the periodontal abscess as a possible oral sign in patients with diabetes mellitus. A sample size of 500 diabetic patients from the Dental OP visiting a private dental college was included in the study. The patient’s periodontal status, oral hygiene and presence of any abscesses were recorded. The patients’ RBS levels were recorded and subjected to statistical analysis. The Chi-Square test was used for the comparison of groups. Out of the 500 patients, 425 (85%) presented with no periodontal abscess in the oral cavity, while 75 patients (15%) presented with periodontal abscess in the oral cavity. The cross-tabulation between the RBS value and the presence of periodontal abscess was done and it was found to be statistically significant (p value= 0.024 < 0.05). The present study shows that Periodontal abscess can be considered as a possible oral sign in patients with Diabetes Mellitus. Periodontal abscess can be considered as possible oral clinical diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Multiple or recurring periodontal abscesses can signify uncontrolled diabetes mellitus.
