INTRODUCTION Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is the most common of the endocrine-metabolic syndrome of childhood and adolescence, characterized by hyperglycemia as a cardinal biochemical feature, with important consequences for physical and emotional development (Alemzadeh R. and Wyatt D.T., 2004). The incidence of childhood T1DM is rising in many countries of the world (Rewers M. et al., 1988, Karvonen M. et al., 1993, Soltèsz G.et al., 2003). In Lithuania, a significant increase over the last 20 years was found in the 10 – 14 year age group (Urbonaitė B. et al., 2002, Pundziūtė-Lyckå A. et al., 2004). Patients with T1DM are characterized by decreased salivary flow and lower buffer effect (P.A. Moore et al., 2001, A.D. Mata et al., 2004, G. Aren et al., 2003), salivary gland pathology (I.D. Mandel, 1980, S.B. Russotto, 1981), increased glucose concentration in the saliva (R. Harrisson and W.H. Bowen 1987, M.A. Belazi et al., 1998), periodontal diseases (L. Sandholm et al. 1989, V. de Pommereau et al. 1992), and oral yeasts (G. A. Bartholomew et al, 1987; P.J. Lamey et al., 1988). However, scientific data about the relationship between T1DM and oral health are contradictory. It has been suggested that hyperglycemia is associated with decreased salivary secretion and high salivary glucose levels, particularly in cases of severe insulin deficiency. However, no clear evidence has been found for a possible association between dental caries and diabetes... [to full text]