Level of copper in unstimulated saliva and its impact on dental caries amongst different dentition: A in vivo comparative analysis

Abstract

Introduction: The role of trace elements towards dental caries was a topic of interest, with the only trace element of choice as fluoride, but further research has not seriously been considered. Materials and Methods: Children were divided into two groups according to their age and were further stratified into two categories, each depending on their caries status low- and high-caries group. Unstimulated saliva was collected and evaluated three times to assess each selected individual's copper concentration. Results: The mean salivary copper levels are associated with a higher concentration amongst the low-caries group of children from 3 to 5 and 12 to 14 years (0.54 and 0.52), respectively. Conclusions: The study presents an inverse association of copper concentration with caries.

Keywords

• caries
• children
• copper
• saliva