Comparative study of physico-chemical properties of saliva in caries free and caries active Nigerian children

Abstract

Saliva is a body fluid with several functions involved in the maintenance of homeostasis and oral health. However, the physicochemical properties of saliva may predispose an individual to caries. Aim: To compare the saliva flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, total antioxidant capacity, calcium and phosphate levels and Streptococcus mutans counts in caries free and caries active children. Methods: The cross-sectional study comprised of two groups of children aged 6-12-years-old, 44 caries free (dmft/DMFT < 1) and 44 caries active (dmft/DMFT > 1) from lle-Ife. Unstimulated saliva was collected to evaluate the physico-chemical properties. The pH and buffering capacity were estimated using the digital pH meter, total antioxidant capacity was determined by phosphomolybdenum method and Streptococcus mutans count estimated using Mitis Salivarius Bacitracin (MSB) agar. The mean values of the two groups were compared using Student's t-test. Statistically significant value was inferred at p<0.05. Results: The mean saliva flow rate and buffering capacity were significantly higher in children without caries (0.55 ± 0.10 and 8.93 + 0.53) compared to children with caries (0.50 ± 0.08 and 8.21 ± 0.43) respectively. Mean total antioxidant capacity was significantly increased in children without caries than caries active children (0.25 ± 0.20 vs 0.17 ± 0.11, p=0.04). Similarly, mean Streptococcus mutans counts was significantly higher in children with caries compared to those without caries (1.10± 0.35 x 104vs 0.21 ±0.21 x 104, p=0.01). Conclusion: The physico-chemical properties of saliva such as flow rate, buffering capacity, phosphate level and Steptococcus mutans counts play a role in caries process.