Changes in the Concentration of Microelements in the Teeth of Rats in the Final Stage of Type 1 Diabetes, with an Absolute Lack of Insulin

The mineral content of tooth hard tissue may influence the rate of decay change. Considering this fact, we aimed at examining if type 1 diabetes might be a contributing factor to the appearance of tooth decay. The experiment was conducted on female Wistar rats. To induce diabetes, rats were intravenously injected with 1 mL streptozocine 0.01 M citrate buffer. The control group of rats was injected with 1 mL 0.01 M citrate buffer only. After 10 days, teeth and blood serum samples were obtained. Fluoride concentration was determined by potentiometer method, and calcium and magnesium, by AAS. Serum concentrations of glucose and estradiol in the diabetic rats were significantly higher compared to the control group. In the experimental group, a statistically significant decrease of fluorine concentration in both teeth and serum were observed. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in blood serum and dental magnesium concentration were significantly higher in rats with type 1 diabetes compared with the control. A downward trend in the content of dental calcium in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was observed. The results obtained indicate that caries initiation and progression could be promoted by metabolic changes associated with diabetes affecting the mineral composition of tooth hard tissue.