Effect of Sugar-Free and Regular Toothpaste on Salivary Glucose and pH among Type 2 Diabetes- A Randomized Crossover Trial.

INTRODUCTION

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases of mankind having general as well as oral health manifestations. Also, there is an increase of salivary glucose level in diabetic, inducing saccharolytic bacteria in saliva which can have adverse effects on oral tissue.

AIM

To assess and compare the effect of sugar-free toothpaste on salivary glucose and pH among Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A randomized controlled-crossover study was carried out on 30 Type 2 diabetic (Group A) and 45 non-diabetic (Group B) subjects. In first half of study, subjects in Group A and Group B were intervened with sugar-free and regular toothpaste respectively. Salivary glucose and pH was assessed before and after brushing at interval of one week for a period of four weeks. In second half, toothpastes were switched over between the groups, after sufficient washout period. Salivary glucose and pH were assessed again in the same manner for both the groups. The data was subjected to paired t-test and unpaired t-test for intragroup and intergroup comparison respectively.

RESULTS

Salivary glucose level was significantly reduced and salivary pH was increased significantly (p<0.001) in both groups with sugar free toothpaste when compared to regular toothpaste.

CONCLUSION

Sugar free toothpaste showed beneficial effect on salivary glucose level and salivary pH level on diabetes and non-diabetes population.