Salivary Flow Rate, pH, Buffering Capacity, Total Protein, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Capacity in Children with and without Dental Caries

Objectives: To measure and compare the levels of salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, total protein, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) between caries active and caries free children and to study the correlation between the DMFS/dfs score and above salivary parameters in caries active children. Study design: 50 caries active (DMFS/dfs ≥ 5) and 50 caries free (DMFS/dfs = 0) children aged between 6 to 12 years were included in the study. From all the children, unstimulated, mid-morning saliva samples were collected and salivary flow rate was calculated. Salivary pH, buffering capacity, total protein, MDA and TAC were measured. Results: The mean levels of salivary flow rate, pH, buffering capacity were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) and total protein, MDA and TAC were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in caries active children when compared to caries free controls. There was a proportionate decrease (p < 0.05) in salivary flow rate, pH and buffering capacity and proportionate increase (p > 0.05) in salivary total protein, MDA and TAC as DMFS/dfs score increased in caries active children. Conclusions: Significant alteration in the levels of salivary flow rate, pH, total proteins, MDA and TAC and their correlation with DMFS/dfs score in caries active children suggest, the levels of these physico-chemical properties of saliva can act as strong indicators of caries status in children.