Oral health status in relation to stimulated saliva buffering capacity among Japanese adults above or below 35 years of age.

Abstract

To evaluate dental caries and periodontal pocketing in relation to saliva buffering capacity among two groups of Japanese adults aged above 35 years old (A35) or 35 years old and below (B35). After measuring the initial pH of saliva, samples were titrated with 0.1N HCl to evaluate the buffer capacity. Levels of mutans streptococci and Lactobacilli in saliva, DMF and periodontal pocket were also measured. Among B35 group, DMF of adults with High buffering capacity was significantly lower than those of adults with Medium and Low buffering capacity (p < 0.05). Chi-square test showed the distribution of subjects with high counts of mutans Streptococci or Lactobacilli into the three buffer capacities, which was not statistically different between two age groups (p > 0.05). There were statistical differences for the mean periodontal pocket depth on the upper right incisor of adults in A35 with High buffer capacity and those of adults with any buffer capacity in B35 group. Statistical differences were also found for the pocket depth on lower left incisor and upper right molars of adults in A35 with High buffer capacity and those of adults with low buffer capacity in B35 group (p < 0.01). High buffering capacity of saliva might be associated with better status of oral health among Japanese adults in both age groups.