Relationship between Salivary Levels of Protein Carbonyl and Total Antioxidant Capacity and Prevalence of Dental Caries among Type 1 Diabetic Children: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study

We aimed to assess the possible relationship between dental caries prevalence and oxidative stress markers such as protein carbonyl (PC) and total antioxidant capacity (TAOC) of saliva among type 1 diabetic children.

An analytical cross-sectional study was performed among 45 type 1 diabetic children and compared with 45 healthy control children aged 10 to 12 years old. Dental caries was diagnosed and recorded using the decayed, missing, and filling index (DMFS/dmfs). Unstimulated salivary specimens were collected for evaluation of TAOC and PC using an enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). A linear regression model and one-way ANOVA test were employed for data analysis using the R 4.3.0.

Salivary levels of TAOC and PC, having diabetes, and diabetes status (controlled or uncontrolled) were not statistically significant (P > 0.05) predicators regarding the prevalence of dental caries among type 1diabetic children.

The diabetic status had a significant effect on salivary levels of TAOC and PC, but no significant effect on the prevalence of dental caries.