Salivary AST Enzyme Level as a Biomarker for Tracking the Progress of Gum Disease Treatment in Children

Abstract

Background: Periodontal disease is a persistent inflammatory illness characterized by the destruction of supporting components, which may ultimately result in tooth loss. The most often seen kind of periodontal disease in children and adolescents is gingivitis, which has a significant correlation with certain socioeconomic variables and oral health practices. Numerous salivary biomarkers, such as AST, have been suggested as potential indicators for the timely identification and advancement of periodontal disease. Aims of the study: The aim is to demonstrate the impact of non-surgical periodontal therapy on children with periodontal disease (PD) and determine whether the AST marker may be used to forecast the advancement of gingival illnesses at various stages in pediatric patients. Materials and Methods: This case-control research included the observation of a cohort of 30 children, with ages ranging from 6 to 12 years. The individuals were categorized into two cohorts according to their periodontal well-being: a cohort of 17 children diagnosed with gingivitis and another cohort of 13 children diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. All participants salivary AST enzyme levels, LI, GI, and CAL were assessed at two time points: baseline and one month follow-up. Conclusion: Children with gingivitis and chronic periodontitis may benefit from non-surgical periodontal therapy and dental hygiene instruction. Tracking therapy progress in children with periodontal disease may be facilitated by monitoring salivary AST enzyme levels. The measurement of salivary AST enzyme levels provides a non-invasive method for evaluating the effectiveness of therapy in the field of pediatric dental care.