Introduction. Decreased salivary flow is frequently associated with numerous
diseases such as diabetes mellitus and may lead to numerous oral diseases.
The aim of this study was to compare salivary flow rate and oral health
status in type 2 diabetics and healthy controls. Material and methods. The
study involved 90 patients, divided into the three groups: 30 with well
controlled (HbA1c<9%), 30 will poorly controlled (HbA1c?9%) diabetes and 30
healthy subjects. The following clinical parameters were determined:
decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT); plaque index (PI), sulcus bleeding
index (SBI), probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL).
Culture of Candida spp. specimens were obtained from tongue dorsum and
inoculated into Sabouraud Dextrose Agar. Saliva was collected using ?a spit
technique?. Results. Highest mean of unstimulated salivary flow was in
healthy subjects; however significant difference between groups was not
observed. Stimulated salivary flow results indicate significant reduction in
diabetics as well as significant relation between metabolic control and
salivary flow. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flows were negatively
and significantly correlated with periodontal parameters and DMFT.
Conclusion. The present findings indicate that decreased salivary flow rate
could have a significant impact on oral health status in type 2 diabetics.
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