EVALUATION OF DENTAL AND PERIODONTAL STATUS IN CHILDREN WITH TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS.

Diabetes mellitus is a well-known predisposing factor for oral diseases.

Aim: To evaluate dental caries and periodontal status of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).

Materials and methods: Eighty children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (age 10-15 years) have received a comprehensive oral health examination, that included the DMFT index for permanent teeth, plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR). P<0.05 was considered significant.

Results: HbA1c values indicated poor metabolic control of diabetes in children, which also adversely affected their oral health (9.45±2.87). The mean DMFT index in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus was notably higher at 6.56±3.56. Similarly, the plaque index (PI) and gingival index (GI) were significantly higher (2.04±0.39/1.18±0.63). In contrast, the stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR) was observed to be lower (0.86±0.16). There was significant positive correlation between DMFT index and PI (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Children with T1DM exhibit poor oral health conditions related to the level of metabolic control. Maintenance of toothbrushing habits and regular dental check-ups recommended to manage and prevent these complications. Additionally, proper management of metabolic control can also help mitigate the adverse effects on oral health.