Oral Health Among Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Attending a Specialized Care Center in Kinshasa, DR Congo: A Pilot Study

Oral health problems are common in children with diabetes, but information from the Democratic Republic of Congo is still limited. The aim of this study was to assess caries experience, gingival status and plaque accumulation in children and adolescents with diabetes followed at a specialized center in Kinshasa. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 60 children and adolescents receiving insulin treatment. Oral examination included assessment of caries, gingival inflammation and plaque accumulation. Information on HbA1c, diabetes duration and oral hygiene habits was also recorded. Results: Girls represented 58.3% of the sample and boys 41.7%. Toothbrushing once daily was reported by 58.3% of participants and twice daily by 41.7%. All participants used toothpaste. Caries experience was present in 53.3% of the children. The mean total caries experience score was 1.03 ± 1.28, the mean gingival index 0.57 ± 0.41, and the mean plaque index 0.49 ± 0.44. Plaque accumulation was associated with a higher gingival index. In the primary analysis, diabetes duration, HbA1c and brushing frequency were not independently associated with total caries experience. Conclusions: Caries and gingival changes were frequent in this group. Plaque accumulation showed the clearest association with gingival status. These findings support regular dental follow-up and better plaque control in children and adolescents with diabetes.