Abstract
Saliva plays an important role in masticatory function and protection from dental caries. Although studies have been conducted on saliva properties, their results vary widely depending on population settings. Hence, this study was performed to evaluate the results of saliva properties in individuals who attended their first visit for orthodontic treatment. A total of 619 participants were included (387 females and 232 males; mean age: 14.6 years). We conducted oral examinations and saliva (stimulated) tests and evaluated the saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity, along with bacterial culture. Saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity were significantly higher in males than in females. However, the Streptococcus mutans score was significantly higher in females than in males even though oral hygiene was better in females. Significant positive correlations were found between age and saliva flow rate and S. mutans score. On the contrary, significant negative correlations were found between age and pH and buffering capacity. These results were similar to other studies where the target population was children or teenagers. Saliva properties of patients starting orthodontic treatment were almost the same as in populations of similar ages.
Highlights
Saliva plays an important role in masticatory function and protection from dental caries
The Streptococcus mutans score was significantly higher in females than in males even though oral hygiene was better in females
Saliva plays an important role in the maintenance of oral hygiene and aids in functions such as mastication and Generally, it is said that saliva production gradually decreases with age, and children can produce a greater volume of saliva than adults[4,5]
Summary
Saliva plays an important role in masticatory function and protection from dental caries. Studies have been conducted on saliva properties, their results vary widely depending on population settings. We conducted oral examinations and saliva (stimulated) tests and evaluated the saliva flow rate, pH, and buffering capacity, along with bacterial culture. PH, and buffering capacity were significantly higher in males than in females. Significant positive correlations were found between age and saliva flow rate and S. mutans score. Significant negative correlations were found between age and pH and buffering capacity. These results were similar to other studies where the target population was children or teenagers. The results of studies on saliva flow rate vary depending on the researcher, the study population, and whether stimulated or unstimulated saliva was the target. The saliva buffering (constant pH) capability is mainly due to the presence of bicarbonate, with additional contributions from phosphate and p
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