The relationship between salivary IgA levels and dental caries in children

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to find the relationship between salivary IgA (s-IgA) levels and dental caries in children. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 children in the age group of 8 to 12 years were selected and divided into two groups. Group I with DMFT score 0 and Group II with DMFT score ≥3. The whole unstimulated s-IgA levels were estimated using ELISA method. Results: Whole s-IgA levels were significantly higher in group II with DMFT score ≥3 as compared with group I with DMFT score 0. Conclusions: There was an increase in s-IgA levels in caries-active mouth to give protection mechanism against dental caries and the Streptococcus mutans which are active in caries-active mouth. The s-IgA antibodies can play an important role in control of dental caries.

Keywords

• ELISA
• dental caries
• DMFT
• salivary IgA