Background Oral health is related to general health and one of the most prevalent chronic diseases is diabetes mellitus. Diabetes can have adverse effects on oral health and vice versa. Saliva analysis can be used as a non-invasive method to obtain information about diseases status like diabetes. The aim of present study was to evaluate the salivary immunoglobulin-A (s-IgA) and salivary amylase levels and their associations with oral-dental manifestations in patients with controlled and non-controlled type 2 diabetes. Methods This case-control study was carried out on 90 subjects who referred to the Diabetes Center of Shahid Bahonar Hospital, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran. Participants were divided into three groups: 1) uncontrolled diabetic patients ( n = 30); 2) controlled diabetic patients ( n = 30); and 3) healthy individuals ( n = 30). Unstimulated salivary levels of I-A and amylase were measured. All participants underwent a dental and periodontal examination to explore the oral and dental manifestations. T-test, chi-square and ANOVA tests were used for data analysis in SPSS 18. Results Significant higher level of s-IgA was found in uncontrolled diabetic patients compared to controlled diabetic ( P ≤ 0.0001) and the control group ( P = 0.004). Moreover, the mean levels of s-amylase in uncontrolled patients was significantly higher compared to controlled diabetic ( P = 0.01) and the control group (P ≤ 0.0001). Uncontrolled diabetic patients with oral candidiasis, erythematous candidiasis, abscesses, or xerostomia had higher s-IgA levels compared to the controlled diabetic participants. Moreover, uncontrolled diabetic patients with oral candidiasis or erythematous candidiasis showed a significant higher levels of s-amylase compared to controlled diabetic patients. Also, significant positive correlations were found between s-IgA and DMFT and s-IgA and PDI (r = 0.444, P = 0.014 and r = 0.386, P = 0.035, respectively). Conclusion In conclusion, higher s-amylase and s-IgA concentrations may reflect oral-dental manifestations in T2DM. Moreover, the current findings suggest that s-amylase and s-IgA may serve as a complementary and alternative fluid in screening for diabetes mellitus.

Background : Although many researchers, in different social sciences fields, are being attracted to the new potential promotional phenomenon, the influence of peer connections, the literature in dental public health is very poor. This article investigates the role of peer influence on individuals’ oral health knowledge and behavior among adolescents. Methods: The purpose of the study was to explore the correlation of secondary school students’ oral health behaviors and knowledge within friendship groups. A valid and reliable questionnaire was developed. A total of 421 students (228 boys and 193 girls) aged between 12-13 years old participated in the study. Ordinal regression analysis was used to identify the correlation between an individual’s oral health knowledge and behaviors and his/her friends. Results: The results demonstrated a strong relationship between students’ oral health behaviors and their peer connections within their friendship groups at school. Specifically, tooth brushing frequency of a student had a strong correlation with similar behavior of his/her friends. In addition, investigation of the role of the second level connections (friends of one’s friend with no direct connection) showed a significant correlation in brushing behavior. However, the results revealed no strong correlation of oral health knowledge among friends within their social network. Conclusion: This paper highlighted the importance of the role of peer influence on oral health behavior. Understanding the relation between oral health behavior and social network would help policy makers for more cost effective oral health promotion programs among adolescents.