Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal (Jul 2024)
Occurrence, Physicochemical Properties and Clinical Symptoms of Salivary Stones(Sialoliths)
Abstract
Abstract Background & aim: The knowledge of the biochemical composition of salivary stones (sialoliths) is necessary for their aetiology and formation mechanism. A small number of studies have investigated sialoliths' elemental composition and clinical symptoms, probably due to the unknowingness and uncertainties of their formation. The purpose of this study was to determine the occurrence, physicochemical characteristics and clinical symptoms of salivary stones (sialoliths). Methods: This is a semi-experimental study that was conducted in Shiraz medical centers in 2023. Sialoliths' physical properties (colour, size, weight and hardness) and elemental composition (using an SEM-EDS) after non-randomly collecting from available samples in Shiraz health centres in 2022 for 9 months were determined. The target population included male and female patients of different age ranges. Statistical tests of Shapiro-Wilk and Mann-Whitney were applied to identify the data normality and find significant differences between the distribution of elements and individual factors, respectively. Results: Salivary stones comprised white to light brown colours and a 1 to 40 mm size range, with a mean weight of 0.65 g and hardness of 2 to 4. Salivary stones dominantly constitute oxygen (O), carbon (C), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), respectively (98%). No significant difference was found between the distribution of elements and the individual factors (gender and age). A strong positive correlation between Ca and P (r = 0.86) and a good positive correlation between Ca and P with sialoliths' physical parameters (35 < r < 0.60) reflected that Ca and P comprise biomineral phases similar to carbonated calcium phosphates. Conclusion: The results of the present study provided a good insight into sialoliths' elemental composition, physicochemical properties and clinical symptoms. The high weight percentage of O, C, Ca and P suggested phosphorated carbonate compounds. Ca and P were two important explanatory factors for the weight and size of salivary stones. Also, age and gender were not considered the main factors controlling elements in sialoliths.
