Oral health status and preventive determinants in children with type 1 diabetes: a cross-sectional comparative study.

BACKGROUND

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder that may adversely affect oral health in children. However, the contribution of preventive determinants to oral health outcomes in this population remains insufficiently explored.

OBJECTIVE

To compare oral health status and preventive determinants between children with T1DM and non-diabetic peers and to investigate their associations with oral health outcomes.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 children with T1DM and 100 age- and sex-matched non-diabetic controls (3-17 years). Data on oral hygiene practices, dietary habits, and dental attendance were collected using structured questionnaires. Clinical examinations assessed dental caries (DMFT/dmft), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and calculus deposition. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, Student's t-tests, and ANOVA.

RESULTS

The mean age of participants was 9.6 years. No significant difference in DMFT/dmft was observed between groups (p = 0.60). Children with T1DM exhibited higher plaque index values (p = 0.05), a greater prevalence of calculus deposition (p = 0.001), and more severe gingival inflammation (p = 0.022). Poor glycemic control was significantly associated with gingival inflammation (p = 0.043). Incorrect toothbrushing technique was more frequent among children with T1DM (p < 0.001), and dietary behavior was associated with DMFT/dmft in this group (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Children with T1DM exhibited poorer periodontal and oral hygiene status than non-diabetic peers despite similar caries experience. Oral hygiene practices and dietary behaviors were significantly associated with oral health outcomes. These findings support the integration of targeted oral health promotion strategies into routine pediatric diabetes care.