Salivary parameters and oral health in the Moebius syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate salivary characteristics, such as flow rate, buffering capacity and amylase activity, and associate these parameters with oral health in individuals with Moebius syndrome (MS) and controls.

METHODS

The researchers assessed caries (ICDAS), periodontal disease (PSR), and plaque (Silness Löe) indexes in both groups. Unstimulated, stimulated, and bilateral parotid saliva were also collected. The salivary flow (milliliters/minute) and α-amylase activity were measured in all samples. The α-amylase activity was determined by maltose production. The buffering capacity was measured in stimulated saliva by titration of 0.01N HCl.

RESULTS

The occurrence of carious lesions, related to cut-off 2, as well as the occurrence of periodontal disease, was significantly higher (p > 0.05) in participants with MS when compared to the control group. Also, MS individuals presented decreased salivary flow, decreased buffering capacity, and amylase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

MS individuals present salivary alterations, which can be related to higher risk for caries.