Valutazione dell’indice glicemico e del DMFT

Objectives

Glycemic index (GI) refers to the effect of food on glycemia and insulinemia. It is widely used in nutrition and diabetology to advise patients on adequate diets to maintain constant glucose and insulin blood levels. As GI is mainly related to the metabolic availability of glucides, it is believed it might influence the activity of oral bacteria. The aim of this work was to assess the relationships between the consumption of food with high GI and the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index.

Methods

The trial was carried out in the Dental Clinic of the University of L’Aquila, during the academic year 2006-2007, in 272 students (115 males and 148 females; mean age, 24.2±2.6 and 23.7±3.3 years, respectively), from the University School of Medicine. The consumption of food with a high GI was investigated with the Food Frequency Questionnaire (FFQ) and the Decayed, Missing, Filled Teeth (DMFT) index.

Results

In some experimental groups, the consumption of food with a high GI was directly proportional to DMFT.

Conclusions

An inappropriate intake of food with a high GI seems to be linked with dental caries. This data suggests that collaboration among medical doctor, dental hygienist, and nutritionist would be useful for the patient for the prevention not only of metabolic diseases, but dental pathology as well.