PURPOSE: The influence of diabetes on the risk of developing gingivitis has been the subject of much discussion in the literature. Most of the previous literature has focused on adults, with limited studies available on children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the plaque and gingival health status of diabetic children with healthy controls. METHODS: A comparative study was conducted between 72 children with type-I diabetes mellitus (average age=10.18±3.91-years-old) and 72 healthy controls (average age=10.8±2.78- years-old). Both groups were compared statistically regarding plaque and gingival indices using the t test for equality of means. RESULTS: The experimental group showed higher mean plaque and gingival scores vs the control group. A statistically significant difference (P<.01) in plaque and gingival scores were observed between the groups in the primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. CONCLUSIONS: Higher dental plaque levels and gingival scores were observed in the diabetic children vs the nondiabetic controls. Additional care for prevention of plaque accumulation and gingivitis should be highly recommended, particularly in diabetic youth.
PURPOSE: The influence of diabetes on the risk of developing gingivitis has been the subject of much discussion in the literature. Most of the previous literature has focused on adults, with limited studies available on children. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the plaque and gingival health status of diabeticchildren with healthy controls. METHODS: A comparative study was conducted between 72 children with type-I diabetes mellitus (average age=10.18±3.91-years-old) and 72 healthy controls (average age=10.8±2.78- years-old). Both groups were compared statistically regarding plaque and gingival indices using the t test for equality of means. RESULTS: The experimental group showed higher mean plaque and gingival scores vs the control group. A statistically significant difference (P<.01) in plaque and gingival scores were observed between the groups in the primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. CONCLUSIONS: Higher dental plaque levels and gingival scores were observed in the diabeticchildren vs the nondiabetic controls. Additional care for prevention of plaque accumulation and gingivitis should be highly recommended, particularly in diabetic youth.