Assessment of dental caries risk in patients with components of metabolic syndrome

Relevance. This study presents results of a comprehensive dental assessment in patients with carious lesions of dental hard tissues associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Objective. To assess dental caries risk based on glycemic status in patients with components of metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods. The dental examination included evaluation of caries experience using the DMFT index and assessment of caries prevalence. Salivary pH was measured using litmus paper. Glycemic status was evaluated using fasting and 2-hour postprandial venous blood glucose measurements. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography.

Results. Dental caries risk correlated with glucose levels in both venous blood and saliva. Patients with metabolic syndrome and impaired glucose metabolism showed a moderate positive correlation (Spearman’s ρ = 0.49 and ρ = 0.55, respectively), while T2DM patients demonstrated a strong correlation (ρ = 0.62 and ρ = 0.69, respectively). HbA1c levels were significantly associated with caries experience: ρ = 0.46 in MetS patients without glycemic dysregulation, ρ = 0.51 in those with impaired glucose metabolism, and ρ = 0.75 in the T2DM group. The caries risk assessment method showed 77% sensitivity and specificity in T2DM patients, and 50% in patients with MetS components.

Conclusion. Patients with T2DM have a significantly higher risk of dental caries, which correlates strongly with blood and salivary glucose levels. Elevated HbA1c levels are associated with more carious teeth, indicating the need for extended dental treatment in T2DM patients. These findings highlight the importance of educating poorly controlled T2DM patients about their increased caries risk. Additionally, dental visits may provide a cost-effective opportunity for early screening of T2DM and metabolic syndrome components.

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