Oral Health of Portuguese Children with Type 1 Diabetes: A Multiparametric Evaluation

Objective: To perform a multiparametric evaluation of the oral health of 36 children with type 1 diabetes. Study design: A group of type 1 diabetic children and a sex-age-matched control group were formed. Seven parameters were evaluated: probing depth, bleeding on probing, plaque index (O'Laery index), calculus index (according to Ramfjord), dental caries (using ICDAS), salivary pH and unstimulated salivary flow rate. Statistical analysis was performed and the significance level was set at 5%. Results: Both groups consisted of 36 children with a mean age of 13 years. With regard to bleeding on probing, plaque index and calculus index, higher values were obtained in the diabetic group and the differences between groups were statistically significant for all three parameters. Concerning dental caries and salivary parameters, there were no significant differences between groups. However, a statistically significant correlation between salivary parameters and metabolic control was found. Conclusion: This study suggests that type 1 diabetic children are associated with some risk factors related to periodontal disease and dental caries. The proven relationship between diabetes and oral health complications imposes the need for these patients to be integrated into preventive dental programs from a young age.