Co-relation of salivary calcium and vitamin D with dental caries - an ex-vivo study

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Calcium and vitamin D3 play a pivotal role in many biological functions like hard tissue mineralization and tooth formation. Both are dietary elements with a known concentration in the saliva, therefore directly affecting the rate and progression of dental caries. The aim of the study was to compare the salivary vitamin D and calcium levels in caries active and caries free adult patients. Materials and Methods: Tarson’s saliva collection tubes were used to collect 5 ml of saliva samples from 110 patients. The supernatant obtained from the centrifuged saliva was stored at -4°C. Analysis of calcium levels was done using the Arsenazo method. Commercially available vitamin D Elisa kit (Epitope diagnostics) was used for the analysis of vitamin D levels. Results: The mean salivary vitamin D levels were higher in the caries free group (66.57mg/dl) when compared to the caries active group (56.43mg/dl). The mean salivary calcium level was elevated in the caries free group (27.09mg/dl) when compared to the caries active group (6.84 mg/dl). Conclusion: The filtrates in saliva play a major role in the occurrence of dental caries through a demineralization and remineralization cycle. Vitamin D in saliva causes a decrease in bacterial aggregation and biofilm formation through the protective role of peptides, causing decreased demineralization of the tooth surface and increased level of free calcium ions in the saliva.