Correlation of plaque nitric oxide levels with plaque Streptococcus mutans, plaque pH and decayed, missing and filled teeth index of children of different age groups.

Abstract

Dental plaque is considered one of the most important etiological factors for dental caries. Nitrate and Nitrite levels in saliva are considered protective against oral and gastrointestinal disease. Plaque nitric oxide (NO) levels and its role in dental caries has not be explored in the literature. Determine the correlation of the plaque nitric oxide (NO) with dental caries in vivo. 75 healthy children between ages of 3-15 years were selected. The age, state of dentition and the level of caries in all individuals were determined by the same examiner, using DMFT/deft index. The plaque samples collected were subjected to nitric oxide estimation, streptococcus mutans count and pH for correlation. SPSS computer based software was used for descriptive data analysis. ANOVA one way analysis and Karl pearson's correlation was carried out. Statistically significant relationship was observed between plaque nitric oxide and dental caries in all age groups. Similarly, significant correlation of nitric oxide was found in relation to plaque streptococcus mutans and plaque pH. Thus concluded, plaque nitric oxide can be considered as a risk assessment tool for prediction of dental caries.