Caries risk in children of Udaipur City, India using genetic taste sensitivity to 6-n-propylthiouracil.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: Dental caries still remains the single most common disease of childhood. The present study was conducted to test the hypothesis that a higher prevalence of dental caries would be observed among nontaster children compared to medium tasters or supertasters of 6n propylthiouracil impregnated filter papers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on a random sample of 600 school children aged 6-12 years in Udaipur city. 6-n-propylthiouracil strips were prepared. The food preference questionnaire was filled by the participants, and their decayed missing filled status as well as taste sensitivity to the propylthiouracil impregnated filter papers were noted. The data obtained was then used for statistical analysis using chi square, analysis of variance, and Students t-tests with the consult of a statistician using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 17 software. RESULTS: Nontasters had a greater caries experience than the supertasters and medium tasters. Females were found to be more tasters than nontasters. It was also found that nontasters belonged to caries active group more than the tasters. CONCLUSION: The caries status was higher among the nontaster children with more sweet preference than in taster children and they belonged more to the caries active group.

Comparison and Correlation of Glucose Levels in Serum and Saliva of Both Diabetic and Non-diabetic Patients.

BACKGROUND: To detect and compare salivary glucose with plasma glucose level and postprandial blood sugar (PPBS) and fasting blood sugar (FBS) in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients were participated in this study. They were divided into two groups, each group consist of 50 patients. Un-stimulated saliva and blood were collected and investigated for glucose levels. RESULTS: FBS, PPBS, plasma glucose levels and salivary glucose levels were higher in diabetic patients than healthy controls. FBS, PPBS, plasma glucose level and salivary glucose levels were significantly correlated with each other in diabetic patients. CONCLUSION: Salivary glucose level can be used for monitoring tool to assess the glycemic status of diabetes mellitus patients as it is noninvasive and diagnostic method.