Association of salivary triglycerides and cholesterol with dental caries in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus

Background: Metabolic disturbances in diabetes mellitus can affect oral health. Altered levels of salivary lipids have been suggested as a risk for dental caries. There has been lack of research in this regard and in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Aim: To assess the salivary triglycerides and cholesterol levels in children with type I diabetes mellitus and correlate them with their dental caries status. Materials and methods: Thirty children aged 12-16 years with type 1 diabetes mellitus and 30 age-and gender-matched healthy children were included in the study. Unstimulated saliva was collected from each child and evaluated for salivary triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Dental caries status (DMFI) was recorded. Results: Salivary cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly higher in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (p <= 0.05). In comparison to controls, mean DMFT score was higher in the diabetic children. Salivary triglycerides showed a significant correlation with dental caries status in the study group (p = 0.035). In normal children, salivary cholesterol levels showed a significant association with dental caries. (p = 0.008). Conclusion: Both salivary cholesterol and triglycerides levels were significantly higher in children with type I diabetes mellitus. Salivary triglycerides showed a significant association with dental caries in these children.