Background/Aim. The number of children with diabetes is constantly
increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate oral health in children
with type 1 diabetes mellitus compared to healthy children. Methods. The
study included 177 patients aged 10-15 years, divided into two groups. Group
T1DM, made up of children with type I diabetes mellitus. Control group was
healthy children. The dental health was assessed using the DMFT index. The
Plaque Index (PI) according to Silness-L?e and the Calculus Index (CI) by
Green were used to determine oral hygiene. Salivary status involved
determining the amount of secreted stimulated saliva and buffer capacity of
the same patient. Results. In terms of average values of DMFT index of
permanent teeth, there were no statistically significant differences in study
groups. A significant difference in PI value in group T1DM (1.29 ? 0.56) and
control group (1.01 ? 0.50) was observed (p =0.001). Also, a significant
difference in CI value in group T1DM (0.09 ? 0.23) and in control group (0.03
? 0.14) was observed (p=0.047). The average amount of secreted stimulated
saliva for diabetic children was significantly lower (0.99 ? 0.14 ml/min),
compared to healthy children (1.06 ? 0.20 ml/min; p=0.020). Conclusion:
Children with type 1 diabetes mellitus have no more diseased teeth; however,
they have more dental plaque, dental calculus and lower saliva than children
in the control group. Also, our results point to the absence of preventive
measures and programs in Montenegro.