EVALUATING THE ORAL HEALTH STATUS OF CHILDREN WITH DIABETES MELLITUS: A COMPREHENSIVE CLINICAL ASSESSMENT
Keywords:
Diabetes Mellitus, Children, Oral Health Assessment, Dental Caries, Gingivitis, Salivary Dysfunction, Glycemic Control, Preventive Dentistry.Abstract
Diabetes mellitus in the pediatric population is associated with a spectrum of oral complications, including increased dental caries susceptibility, accelerated gingival inflammation, salivary gland dysfunction, and heightened prevalence of oral mucosal infections. Despite the well-documented bidirectional relationship between glycemic control and oral health, routine dental assessment remains poorly integrated into pediatric diabetes care. This review critically evaluates the oral health status of diabetic children, examining caries prevalence, periodontal parameters, salivary flow characteristics, and enamel defect frequency. A refined, multidisciplinary oral health assessment protocol is proposed, incorporating risk-stratified preventive intervention, systematic salivary function evaluation, and structured interdisciplinary communication between dental and endocrinology teams. Implementation of this framework aims to facilitate early detection of oral complications and improve both oral and systemic health outcomes in this vulnerable population.
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