Background: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus has oral health implications

Aims: The present study aims to assess and evaluate difference in the periodontal disease burden and oral hygiene practices amongst Type 1 diabetic and non–diabetic subjects aged 6 to 17 years.

Methods and Material: The study comprised 108 type 1 diabetics and 216 ages and sex matched non–diabetic subjects, the evaluation of periodontal status was done using the periodontal disease index. Student’s t test, chi–square, fisher exact test and regression analysis was used for statistical analysis.

Results: Diabetic subjects had significantly higher scores of PDI index (p<0.01) when compared to the non–diabetic subjects.

Conclusions: Poor glycaemic control and inadequate oral hygiene practices in type 1 diabetics increases periodontal disease burden.