Salivary physicochemical properties in relation to caries-experience among type 1 insulin-dependent diabetic children

Abstract EN

Background : Changes in the salivary physiochemical proprieties has been reported among diabetic patients and it is considered as a risk factor affecting the severity and occurrence of dental caries.

The aims of this sudy was to investigate the severity of dental caries in relation to organic and inorganic factors (glucose, total protein, calcium and phosphorous ion) in addition to insulin hormone in stimulated saliva among type 1 insulin dependent diabetic children in comparison to non diabetic group matching with age and to investigate changes of the salivary variables (pH, flow rate and buffer capacity).

Patients and methods : The study group included 60 children, with an age range of 11-13 years of both sexes.

They were with confirmed diagnosis of type 1 insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.

Children were divided into two groups according to the duration of the disease.

The control group included 30 children matching with age and gender with the two study groups.

Assessment and recording of caries – experience were through the application of decayed, missing and filled surface index (DMFS&dmfs).

The collection of stimulated salivary samples was performed under standardized condition.

Salivary samples were chemically analyzed for detection of selected organic and inorganic constituents.

Results : A high severity of dental caries was seen among diabetic group compared to the control, differences were statistically highly significant in permanent dentition.

Highest values of buffer capacity, pH and salivary flow rate were seen in the control group compared to diabetics, with statistically significant difference.

In all three groups a negative correlation coefficient was seen between caries-experience and salivary flow rate.

Inverse correlations were observed between dental caries and nearly all salivary constituents.

Conclusions : A changes in the physiochemical properties of saliva was recorded among diabetic children, affecting the severity of caries-experience.