Abstract

Background: Although several epidemiological studies have reported an association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and orodental health. However, the occurrence of the co-morbidity of both diseases has been more of suspicion than evidence-based. DM is a serious public health concern globally, and in Nigeria. Studies have separately documented the prevalence of DM and orodental diseases, but data lack to adequately rationalise co-morbidity of both diseases.

Objective: The study aimed to report evidence of co-morbidity of DM and orodental diseases in Nigeria.

Method: Data published between December, 1970 and June, 2015 were used in writing the review. These data were collated from electronic literature archives and databases.

Result: This review suggests evidence of the association of DM and orodental diseases. It revealed that both diseases are densely distributed in South-East, South-South and South-West geopolitical zones of Nigeria, and sparsely spread across other regions of the country.

Conclusion: Co-morbidity of both diseases holds promise that will favour public health practice, especially in Nigeria. It is hoped that the association may lead to the establishment of a cost-effective DM screening protocol in Nigeria. Again, screening of DM in dentistries and vice versa may be possible through the relationship of both diseases. It is recommended that the driving force of the co-morbidity be investigated.

Keywords: Co-morbidity, diabetes mellitus, Nigeria, opportunistic screening, orodental health, type 2 diabetes mellitus.