Impact of diabetes on oral health of children

Although the early signs of gum disease are common in many children, the correlation between periodontitis and diabetes mellitus is still little understood in this patient population.

In a study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine, the investigators performed a clinical examination and collected the sulcus fluid of patients aged five to 21 years with and without diabetes mellitus.

The investigators discovered that the patients with diabetes mellitus were more likely to have a lower salivary flow rate and higher concentrations of the inflammatory mediators matrix metalloproteinase-8 and interleukin-1 beta.

The findings indicated that patients with these high-risk factors may be at higher risk of periodontitis and could especially benefit from preventive dental care. Nonetheless, the investigators concluded that all pediatric patients, regardless of diabetes mellitus status, should visit their dentist regularly to promote positive oral health.

Read more: Journal of Clinical Medicine

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