Background: Diabetes is a well-known predisposing factor for oral diseases, so prevention
in an early age is mandatory. Objective: To provide oral screening for children living
with type 1 diabetes. We aimed to investigate the oral and general health indexes
of T1DM children and compare these data to healthy siblings and controls. Methods:
In this cross-sectional study, 120 DM patients and 78 siblings, thereafter 80 DM children
and 95 controls, took part. A detailed questionnaire, panoramic radiographs, and lateral
cephalograms were obtained in every orthodontic consultation. We used Pearson’s chi-square
test for statistical analysis and compared the data of the study and control groups.
Results: The oral health values of DM children were significantly better (DMF-T 0.83–1.3)
than the national average (3.8–4.5). A total of 75% (n = 60) of the children needed
orthodontic treatment for orthodontic or skeletal anomalies. The prevalence of skeletal
anomalies was significantly (p < 0.05) higher among patients with diabetes mellitus
(DM) than in the control group. The frequency of coeliac disease was significantly
elevated compared to any literature data (1–3.5%) in the study (15%) and in the control
sibling group (13%). Conclusions: Co-morbidities such as CD should get more attention
as a prognostic factor for a future higher incidence of diabetes. T1DM children can
be motivated and health-conscious patients with excellent oral hygiene and dental
status. Orthodontic treatment can help eliminate the oral complications of DM. Special
diabetes ambulances may help provide oral care for patients with DM.
