Salivary levels of calcium and phosphorus in children with and without early childhood caries: A pilot study

Abstract

Background: The role of saliva in the maintenance of oral health is unequivocal, and its composition influences the dynamics of dental caries by modifying the phases of demineralization and remineralization. Rationale: Dental caries is a dynamic disease characterized by phases of demineralization and remineralization. Remineralization is facilitated by saliva. In children-free from caries, remineralization is dominant, and in caries-active children, demineralization is predominant. Hence, this study has been planned to evaluate the levels of calcium and phosphorus in the saliva which play a significant role in the remineralization process. Objectives: This pilot study was carried out to evaluate the salivary calcium and phosphorus levels of children aged 3–6 years and their possible association with early childhood caries. Materials and Methods: Eighteen children aged 3–6 years were divided into two groups of nine children each – Group I is the caries-free group and children affected with early childhood caries comprising the Group II. Four milliliters of unstimulated whole saliva was collected. The salivary levels of calcium and phosphorus were evaluated using an emission spectrometer – inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer ICP-OES available at Sophisticated Analytical Instrument Facility, Indian Institute of Technology Madras. Descriptive statistics were done. Results: The salivary levels of calcium and phosphorus in children-free from caries were found to be higher than in saliva of children with early childhood caries. Conclusion: More research is needed to elucidate the role of these elements in the prevention of caries.

Keywords

• calcium
• early childhood caries
• inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer
• phosphorus
• saliva