Dental caries, diabetes mellitus, metabolic control and diabetes duration: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To analyze articles aimed at evaluating the association between diabetes, metabolic control, diabetes duration, and dental caries.

Overview: A systematic search in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Web of Science was conducted to retrieve papers in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, up to April 2019. The research strategy was constructed considering the "PECO" strategy. Only quantitative observational studies were analyzed. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. The meta-analyses were performed based on random-effects models using the statistical platform R. A total of 69 articles was included in the systematic review and 40 in the meta-analysis. Type 1 diabetics have a significantly higher DMFT compared to controls. No significant differences were found between type 2 diabetics and controls and between well-controlled and poorly controlled diabetics. Concerning diabetes duration, all authors failed to find differences between groups.

Conclusion: Although there is still a need for longitudinal studies, the meta-analysis proved that type 1 diabetics have a high dental caries risk.

Clinical Significance: It is necessary to be aware of all risk factors for dental caries that may be associated with these patients, making it possible to include them into an individualized prevention program.