Assessing the Role of Salivary Alpha-Amylase in Dental Caries in Children aged 6–9 Years – A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Salivary alpha-amylase is an enzymatic powerhouse, breaking down starch in food and whisking it away from the oral cavity. Its presence in the acquired enamel pellicle hints at involvement in the adhesion of α-amylase-binding bacteria. This study delves into the impact of salivary alpha-amylase in children with varying caries statuses, aiming to understand its correlation with the severity of dental caries. Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the relation between salivary alpha-amylase levels in children with dental caries. Material and Methods: Ninety children in the age range from 6 to 9 years were enrolled. The caries status is assessed using the decayed, missing, and filled teeth index. Each participant provided unstimulated whole saliva samples, which were centrifuged at 5000 rpm for 5 min to eliminate debris. Alpha-amylase concentration was estimated using Auto-analyzer (ERBA EM-200). Results: The mean values of salivary α-amylase were 4.2% higher in girls than in boys. The salivary α-amylase levels were found to increase slightly from the control group to the caries group though statistically nonsignificant. Conclusions: Although salivary α-amylase levels not showed a statistical significance correlation to dental caries, it does throw a light on the biochemical aspect of salivary alpha-amylase correlated to other factors, influencing dental caries such as gender, dietary preferences, adverse oral habits, and hormonal influence.