Comparison of Salivary Properties Between Different Degrees of Caries Level in Children Aged Below 72 Months: A Cross-sectional Study.

AIM: Early childhood caries (ECC) remain prevalent in many developing countries, including Indonesia. Salivary factors, such as flow rate, pH, and nitric oxide (NO) concentration, are potential indicators of caries risk. The study aimed to compare unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) flow rate, salivary pH, and nitrite ion concentration among caries-free (CF), ECC, or severe ECC (S-ECC) children.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Thirty-one children aged 36-71 months visiting the Pedodontic Department at the Specialized Teeth and Mouth Hospital, University of Indonesia, were categorized into CF, ECC, and S-ECC groups. The UWS flow rate was measured by volume per minute, salivary pH with a universal pH indicator strip, and NO concentration using the Griess reaction.

RESULTS

The median UWS flow rate was highest in the CF group (0.38 mL/min) and lower in the ECC (0.29 mL/min) and S-ECC (0.33 mL/min) groups. Median salivary pH was 7.00 in CF, ECC, and S-ECC, while NO concentrations were 70.14 µM (CF), 71.04 µM (ECC), and 90.59 µM (S-ECC). None of the differences were statistically significant (P > 0.05). The correlation coefficients were UWS flow rate and def-t scores, r = -0.267, salivary pH and def-t, r = -0.066; and NO concentration and def-t, r = 0.169.

CONCLUSIONS

Although trends in the salivary flow rate, pH, and NO concentration were observed, no significant differences were found among caries groups. The small sample size, non-standardized collection, and imprecise pH measurements may have limited the findings. These preliminary studies may support future research on salivary markers in caries risk assessment.