Oral Ulcers and Associated Factors in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Cross-Sectional Study in the Bangladesh Population

Background/Aim: This study aims to assess the prevalence of self-reported oral ulcers and their associated factors among patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Bangladesh. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 260 patients with T2DM attending outpatient dental services at three tertiary hospitals in Dhaka. Data were collected using a semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic characteristics, behavioral and dietary factors, medical history, and self-reported oral mucosal conditions. Associations between oral ulcers and potential risk factors were analyzed using Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Most participants were middle-aged (50–59 years), female, of low educational status and married, with a high prevalence of regular tooth-brushing but low use of oral hygiene aids such as mouthwash. Traumatic ulcers (21.5%) and oral lichen planus (19.6%) were the most frequently observed oral mucosal lesions followed by recurrent aphthous ulcers, oral lichenoid reactions, and oral candidiasis. Traumatic ulcers and oral lichenoid reactions showed associations with sharp teeth, dentures or braces, and amalgam restorations, while lichen planus and aphthous ulcers were significantly associated with smoking, systemic conditions such as hypertension, and coexisting oral lesions such as oral candidiasis. Multivariable logistic regression showed that sharp teeth, denture or brace use, amalgam restorations, and tobacco-related habits were associated with oral lesions. Conclusions: Oral ulcers and related mucosal lesions were found to be common among patients with T2DM in Bangladesh, with traumatic ulcers being most frequent and several local and behavioral factors showing significant associations.