ANALYSIS OF RISK FACTORS FOR DENTAL CARIES IN PATIENTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS

Abstract

The aim: To identify, structure and evaluate the degree of influence of risk factors on the intensity of dental caries in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus to improve caries-preventive measures. Materials and methods: 179 patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus aged 18 to 56 years with a disease duration from 1 to 50 years were examined. 157 patients had various chronic diabetic complications. In patients the prevalence and intensity of caries were determined according to the DMFT index and the DMFS index, as well as the state of oral hygiene according to the OHI- S index. To determine the risk factors for dental caries, patients were interviewed using the developed questionnaire “The state of dental health of a patient with diabetes mellitus.” Results: The most significant factors associated with indicators of the intensity of caries of the DMFT and the DMFS in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus are xerostomia (r=0.61, p<0.01, and r=0.66, p<0.01), oral hygiene (r=0.57, p<0.01, and r=0.58, p<0.01), sharp fluctuations in blood glucose level (r=0.54, p<0.05, and r=0.59, p<0.05), frequent hypoglycemia (r=0.53, p<0.05, and r=0.56, p<0.05) and consumption of sweets (r=0.52, p<0.01, and r=0.55, p<0.01). Conclusions: When introducing individualized caries prevention measures in patients with type 1 diabetes, it is necessary to take into account the identified leading cariogenic factors for their elimination or partial correction.