PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Vol. 29 No. 5       SEP - OCT 2007

ISSN: 0164-1263      UBIC: ESP

ABSTRACTS

Purpose: This study assessed gingival bleeding ¡n diabetic children during the mixed dentition period. Methods: Three hundred fifty-five 6- to 13-year-old diabetic (99% type 1) and nondiabetic control children in the mixed dentition stage were evaluated from a total cohort of 700 6- to 18-year-old children. Gingival status was assessed, and data on important diabetes-related variables were collected. Analyses were performed using Poisson's regression. Results: Diabetic children had significantly more gingival bleeding than controls for both primary and permanent teeth. The risk of gingival bleeding around the primary teeth in cases was 35% more than in the control group (P=.001); and the risk of gingival bleeding around the permanent teeth in cases was 57% more than in the controls (P<.001). The number of teeth with bleeding had a very modest, but statistically significant, association with: (1) mean HbAlc; (2) body mass index (BMI)-for-age percentile; and (3) duration of diabetes. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that diabetic children are at a significantly higher risk for gingival bleeding. Diabetes-related oral complications affect the primary periodontium as early as age 6 and possibly earlier. The emphasis on oral hygiene may be valuable in preventing future periodontal complications in diabetic patients. (Pediatr Dent 2007;29:426-30) Received November 3, 2006 / Revision Accepted January 14, 2007 KEYWORDS: CHILDREN, DIABETES, GINGIVAL BLEEDING, PLAQUE INDEX, PRIMARY TEETH.

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