Study to evaluate the oral health and salivary pH in type II diabetes individuals among south Indian population in Chengalpet district -- A case control study.

Background and aims: Diabetes mellitus is a systemic disease associated with periodontal diseases. Research conducted over more than a decade proves a bidirectional relationship between diabetes and periodontal disease. This study compares the periodontal status, dental caries and salivary pH in diabetics with non-diabetics. Materials and methods: About 100 subjects participated in the study. 50 subjects each were included in group I (control group), group II (test group). Periodontal status (assessed by Russel's index), salivary pH, dental caries of all patients were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using a student t-test. Results: The mean periodontal status in group I was 0.32, whereas 3.78 in group II. There was a statistically significant increase in Russel's index in group II. The mean salivary pH in group I was 7.42, in group II it was 6.44 indicating a statistically significant decrease in salivary pH in the diabetic group. The mean DMFT index in group I was 1.68 whereas in group II it was 7.06. This shows a statistically significant increase in DMFT score in the test group. Conclusion: Diabetic patients seem to have poor periodontal status, reduced salivary pH, increased dental caries than controls. This strengthens the hypothesis that hyperglycemia worsens oral health of diabetic individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]