Dental health status in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Montenegro

Abstract

Background/Aim. The number of children with diabetes is constantly increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to healthy children. Methods. The study included 177 patients aged 10-15 years, divided into two groups. Group T1DM, made up of children with type I diabetes mellitus. Control group was healthy children. The dental health was assessed using the DMFT index. The Plaque Index (PI) according to Silness-L?e and the Calculus Index (CI) by Green were used to determine oral hygiene. Salivary status involved determining the amount of secreted stimulated saliva and buffer capacity of the same patient. Results. In terms of average values of DMFT index of permanent teeth, there were no statistically significant differences in study groups. A significant difference in PI value in group T1DM (1.29 ? 0.56) and control group (1.01 ? 0.50) was observed (p =0.001). Also, a significant difference in CI value in group T1DM (0.09 ? 0.23) and in control group (0.03 ? 0.14) was observed (p=0.047). The average amount of secreted stimulated saliva for diabetic children was significantly lower (0.99 ? 0.14 ml/min), compared to healthy children (1.06 ? 0.20 ml/min; p=0.020). Conclusion: Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus have no more diseased teeth; however, they have more dental plaque, dental calculus and lower saliva than children in the control group. Also, our results point to the absence of preventive measures and programs in Montenegro.