Assessing oral health and the minimally important differences in oral health‐related quality of life of non‐diabetic and diabetic patients: a cross‐sectional study

Abstract Background Non‐diabetics and diabetics might have different oral health problems and impacts on their oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL). Comparison of oral health status and coping strategies between these patients, and evaluation of factors associated with OHRQoL might facilitate better treatment planning for improved patient‐centred outcome. Methods One hundred and eleven non‐diabetics and 107 diabetics attending a public hospital were clinically examined and evaluated for coping strategies (abbreviated coping orientation to problems experienced) and OHRQoL [short‐form oral health impact profile (OHIP‐14S)]. Factors associated with OHRQoL were analysed through correlation/partial correlation. Minimally important differences (MID) of OHIP‐14S were calculated to confirm associations between attachment loss, caries, and tooth loss with OHRQoL. Results Non‐diabetics had worse periodontal status. Diabetics had more missing teeth. Non‐diabetics and diabetics employed maladaptive coping to manage oral health problems. Overall, non‐diabetics reported worse OHRQoL. Determination of MID showed that non‐diabetics with high‐severe attachment loss and <20 teeth experienced poorer OHRQoL. Diabetics with caries, high‐severe attachment loss, and <25 teeth experienced poorer OHRQoL. Conclusion Different factors were associated with OHRQoL of non‐diabetics and diabetics. Delivery of treatment aimed at maintaining teeth in a periodontally healthy and caries free state, and provision of more chewing units might help improve OHRQoL of diabetics. © 2024 Australian Dental Association.