Influence of the metabolic control in patients with type 1 diabetes on their oral health status and the need for orthodontic treatment in a group of Spanish children (aged 6-12 years): a cross-sectional study

The aim of this study was to analyze the influence of good metabolic control, based on glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels, on oral health status and the need for orthodontic treatment in children. This cross-sectional study was carried out at the Dental Clinic of the University of Salamanca (Spain) during the years 2020 and 2024. A total of 260 children with type 1 diabetes (aged between 6 and 12 years) participated. The sample was divided into two study groups based on their metabolic control: good metabolic control (HbA1c 7%) (n = 130). Oral health status was assessed using the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth index for permanent teeth (DMF-T) and the need for orthodontic treatment using the Dental Health Component of the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (DHC-IOTN). The mean age was 9.2 ± 1.9 years old. The total sample (n = 260) consisted of 53.8% boys and 46.2% girls. In the group of patients with poor metabolic control, a significant increase was observed in the number of decayed teeth (1.83 ± 1.36), filled teeth (1.05 ± 0.84), and DMF-T score (3.14 ± 1.87) compared to patients with good metabolic control (1.38 ± 1.20 decayed teeth; 0.88 ± 0.86 filled teeth; DMF-T score 2.46 ± 1.87). However, no significant differences were observed in relation to the influence of metabolic control on the need for orthodontic treatment. In the sample studied, metabolic control had a negative influence on caries rates in children with type 1 diabetes, but not on the need for orthodontic treatment.