Association between saliva quantity and content parameters with caries intensity levels: A cross-sectional study among subcarpathian children

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate saliva quantity and content parameters among children of 7 and 12 years old, who permanently living on the territory of Subcarpathia with the registered territoryassociated fluoride deficiency in the water, and their association with the caries status of pediatric patients. Material and Methods: The study sample was formed of 48 children (22 of 7 years old and 26 of 12 years old). The content of calcium in the oral liquid was determined by the ocresolphthalein complexone method. Estimation of concentration rate and fluoride activity in the oral liquid was carried out by using the ion-selective electrode ELIS-131 F and ionometer EV-74. The content of inorganic phosphorus in saliva was determined using the phosphorus reaction with molybdic acid. Results: Among all study samples, 18.8% were registered with low caries intensity level (DMF = 1.55 ± 0.16), 33.3% with moderate caries intensity level (DMF = 3.94 ± 0.29), and 47.9% with high caries intensity level (DMF = 9.05 ± 1.11). During the comparison of calcium content and mineralization coefficient values between children with low and high caries intensity levels registered difference was statistically significant (p<0.05), while for salivary flow rate parameter such difference was no significant (p>0.05). Between children with normal salivary flow rate, and children with a lowered salivary flow rate there was no statistical difference in such parameters as fluoride concentration, calcium content, phosphorus content and calcium-phosphorus balance (p>0.05). Conclusion: Caries intensity levels were more statistically associated with parameters of calcium content in saliva and related mineralization coefficient, rather than with the average salivary flow rate.