Salivary Changes Research Articles

Interplay between diabetes mellitus and salivary gland changes with their clinical implications.

Objective: Evaluate Clinical Implications of Diabetes Mellitus. Find out the correlation between salivary changes with oral changes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Dental OPDs of BU and JSMU. Period: January 2023 to January 2024. Methods: with sample size of 44 collected through convenience sampling. Data was collected of patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria of diagnosed and under treatment for Diabetes Mellitus, through a performa specially designed for collection of data of the study. Results: Data of 44 patients was included in the study. Out of 44, 8 patients reported with Sialorrhea, 32 with hyposalivation and 4 without any problems. The mean DMFT score was 4.27±0.87. The most common complaint was that of altered taste reported by 4 patients. Correlation test was performed and resulted in showing positive correlation of hyposalivation with dry mouth and altered taste at the level of 0.001 while negative correlation was observed between hypersalivation and dry mouth at the level of 0.05. Conclusion: The results are suggestive of constant monitoring of known cases by dentists every 6 months to help them maintain their oral health and improve their quality of life.

The Possible effect of Bosentan on the methotrexate-induced salivary gland changes in male rats: histological and Immunohistochemical study.

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antimetabolite drug utilized for managing a variety of cancers and autoinflammatory conditions. MTX may trigger detrimental effects in mout, h tissues, including salivary gland impairment. Bosentan (BOS), a drug that blocks endothelin receptors, has strengthened antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. The study aimed to estimate the protective effect of BOS on MTX-exacerbated salivary changes in Wistar Albino rats. Thirty male rats were arbitrarily sorted into three groups of ten animals each. The control group received a normal saline for 18days. The MTX (induction) group received MTX (25mg/kg) intraperitoneally on the 7th day of the experiment once daily for 6 consecutive days. The MTX + BOS group received BOS (50mg/kg) orally once a day for 18days: 6days before induction, 6days 2-h after induction, and 6days post-induction. Animals were euthanized on day 19, and salivary gland tissues were dissected for biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. BOS dramatically improved MTX-aggravated biochemical and histopathological abnormalities, as evidenced by diminished Bax, caspase 3, TNF-α, IL-1β, MDA, and MPO levels, increased SOD, GSH, and GPX levels, and reduced degenerative changes in the granular convolute tubule, mucous acini, and striate duct. BOS further substantially upregulated MTX-induced decline of the Ki-67 and Bcl-2, as indicated by immunohistochemistry scoring methods. The anti-oxidative, ant-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties of BOS are a promising strategy for ameliorating the toxic effect of MTX on submandibular glandular tissues.

Salivary proteomics as signature for molar incisor hypomineralization stages.

Saliva is a rich-bodily fluid with recognized clinical diagnosis roles. This research aimed to investigate the salivary proteomic signatures for MIH in children with distinct degrees of severity. In this cross-sectional study, 50 schoolers (8-13years) were equally assigned into the following groups: G1 (Control group-Healthy first permanent molars), G2 (Mild MIH with white/creamy opacity and free of caries), G3 (Mild MIH with yellow/brown opacity and free of caries), G4 (Severe MIH with white/creamy, yellow/brown opacities including post-eruptive fracture and free of caries), G5 (Severe MIH with white/creamy, yellow/brown opacities, post-eruptive fracture, and caries). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and later explored using mass spectrometry analysis. In total, 6,471 proteins were found, 5,073 exclusively from MIH children, and 778 overlapping among the different degrees of the disturb. The biological pathways displayed distinct patterns among the groups, which differed according to the MIH degrees. Gene-Ontology differences might not be verified regarding the biological processes and cellular components. Conversely, concerning molecular function, alterations among groups were evident, with proteins that would contribute to MIH in children with the severe condition (i.e., calcium ion binding, microtubule binding, platelet-derived growth factor binding). The results of this study support important salivary proteomics changes in MIH children according to distinct degrees of severity, reinforcing the interplay between the clinical characteristics and changes in the salivary proteome. Changes occurring in the salivary proteomics of children with distinct degrees of severity of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) might be promising biomarkers and valuable information in clinical care, helping professionals make better clinical decisions and helping patients to understand their disturbance.

Sonography of Salivary Gland Tumors and Disorders.

Diseases of the salivary glands are as common as they are diverse and can have different causes. Clinicians can differentiate salivary gland changes based on chronic systemic diseases, congenital and vascular malformations, and benign and malignant tumors. Acute infectious pathologies can also arise as a result of obstructive pathologies. A large number of diseases with similar clinical presentations have to be differentiated. Due to the improved resolution of ultrasound technology over the last 20 years, it is now used as the first imaging modality to examine salivary gland pathologies. It allows a quick, dynamic, and non-invasive examination of the salivary glands and the soft tissue of the neck. In order to accurately diagnose and treat patients, a very good knowledge of these diseases and their appearance on sonography is required.

Screening for presence of primary Sjogren's syndrome in patients with autoimmune thyroid diseases.

Autoimmune thyroid disorders (AITD) are the most common autoimmune human disorders as the thyroid gland is a main target for autoimmunity. The association between rheumatologic and thyroid disorders has long been known, the most common being the association with rheumatoid arthritis. Our study was conducted to screen for the presence of symptoms, signs, and immune markers suggesting the presence of Sjogren's syndrome among patients with autoimmune thyroid disorders. Eighty AITD patients (46 patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and 34 patients with Graves' disease) were included in the study and 40 healthy subjects matched age and sex as a control group. The two groups were compared according to 2002 the American-European Consensus Group (AECG) criteria for diagnosis of primary Sjogren's syndrome. 12.5% of AITD patients (n = 10 patients) were diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome (AITD-SS). Eight out of ten of AITD-SS had Hashimoto's disease while only two had Grave's disease. Anti-Ro was detected in serum of seven patients of the AITD patients with Sjogren syndrome while anti-La was detected in serum of eight patients. The most independent predictors of Sjogren's syndrome in AITD patients are anti-La, ESR, and salivary gland sonographic change. Sjogren's syndrome has been found in patients with AITD, and also patients with AITD have symptoms that mimic sicca disease despite not fulfilling the criteria for diagnosis.

Dysbiosis and interactions of the salivary bacteriome in obese individuals: A human cross-sectional study

IntroductionThe prevalence of obesity is continually rising worldwide, posing a risk for the development of various serious diseases. The pathogenesis of obesity is complex and recent research suggests a link between obesity and the oral microbiome, though the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Material and methodsWe collected saliva samples from 9 non-obese and 13 obese participants and conducted 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze the differences in oral microbiota between obese and non-obese individuals in terms of microbial abundance, functionality, and interaction networks. ResultsObese participants exhibited a distinct composition of salivary microbiota compared to non-obese participants, with a greater number of ASVs detected and higher α diversity indices. Specifically, Haemophilus, Aggregatibacter, and Actinobacillus were significantly enriched, while Actinomyces showed significant depletion. Functional prediction analysis indicated that biofilm formation pathways were significantly more abundant in the obese group. Random forest regression model analysis identified Bergeyella as the most contributive genus, and interaction network analysis suggested that Bergeyella may function as a bridge node, linking the obese group-enriched genera to the broader microbial community and facilitating the exchange of information and resources. DiscussionOur study suggests that obesity may be closely associated with salivary microbiota dysbiosis and functional changes. Further research is needed to elucidate the causal relationship and underlying molecular mechanisms between obesity and oral microbiota dysbiosis, or to determine if they mutually influence each other.

Consequences of hyposalivation in relation to cancer treatment and early management of radiation-induced caries: case reports

Given the prevalence of head and neck carcinoma and the salivary changes induced by the oral side effects of radiotherapy, such patients are at higher risk/susceptibility of developing dental caries. Radiation-caries is often under-treated in patients undergoing cervicofacial radiotherapy, yet these lesions can increase the risk of osteoradionecrosis due to necessary subsequent dental extractions. Moreover, xerostomia is accompanied by difficulties with speech, chewing and swallowing. The prevention and/or early management of radiation-induced carious lesions is essential in preventing oral complications and improving patients' quality of life. Based on a French case series, this paper proposes a protocol for the dental management of radiation-induced carious lesions.

ECO-FRIENDLY EFFECTS OF ROOIBOS TEA (ASPALATHUS LINEARIS) RINSE ON SALIVA PH AND ORAL HEALTH

Bacteria in the formation of dental caries are affected by saliva and its pH level occupy an important place. Another promiscuous consequence of low salivary pH is dental caries, an increase in the pH can ideally be produced by gargling. Because mouthwash now contains natural substances, rooibos tea or Aspalathus linearis, is one of the most preferred mouthwash. Aspalathus linearis is caffeine free, is low in tannins, is fortified with antioxidants besides having fluoride content in it; and has E6CG which may promote enhanced flow of saliva leading to raised saliva pH level. This research aimed to examine the effect of gargling Aspalathus linearis on salivary pH changes. An experimental pretest-posttest control group design was employed with two treatments: The two are Aspalathus linearis and aquades (distilled water). Paired Sample T-Test and Independent T-Test were used for data analysis. The study found that rinsing with Aspalathus linearis resulted in a significant increase in salivary pH levels, indicating its potential in promoting a less acidic oral environment. However, when compared to rinsing with aquades. This suggests that while rooibos tea can positively influence salivary pH, its effectiveness may not differ significantly from that of plain water in this context.

Salivary Antimicrobial Peptide in Patients With Dementia Before and After Clinical Oral Rehabilitation Programme: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

Emerging evidence suggests a link between salivary metabolite changes and neurodegenerative dementia, with antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) implicated in its pathogenesis. We investigated the effects of a clinical oral rehabilitation programme tailored for dementia patients on salivary flow rate, AMP levels and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either the experimental group (EG; n = 28) or the control group (CG; n = 27). Both groups received a leaflet on oral health. In addition, the EG received an oral care intervention that included individual lessons on oral muscle exercises and oral self-care practices. Saliva samples and OHRQoL data were collected at baseline and follow-up visits. Generalised estimating equation models were used to analyse the changes over time. At the 3-month follow-up, EG showed significantly lower histatin 5 (HTN-5) levels (β = -0.08; effect size [ES] = 0.72) than CG. At 6 months, EG exhibited improved salivary flow rate (β = 0.89; ES = 0.89) and OHRQoL (β = 6.99; ES = 1.31) compared to CG. Changes in salivary flow rate (β = 4.03), HTN-5 level (β = -0.78) and beta-defensin 2 level (BD-2) (β = -0.91) at 3 months predicted improved OHRQoL at 6 months (all p < 0.05). Our clinical oral rehabilitation programme reduced the level of salivary HTN-5, increased salivary flow rate and enhanced OHRQoL in dementia patients. Furthermore, changes in salivary flow rate, HTN-5 level and BD-2 level were associated with improvements in patients' OHRQoL.

Comparative Evaluation of Salivary pH, Gustatory Function, and Dental Caries among Pubertal, Menstruation, Menopause Women – An Analytical Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Saliva is the most available and noninvasive biofluid of the human body. There are five situations in a women’s life during which hormone fluctuations make them more susceptible to oral health problems during puberty, in monthly menstrual cycle, when using birth control pills, during pregnancy, and menopause. Aim and Objective: The objective is to evaluate salivary pH, gustatory function, dental caries among pubertal, menstruation, and menopause women. Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 60 individuals and divided into three groups – puberty, menstruation, and menopause, 20 in each group. Salivary pH was measured using salivary pH strips and for gustatory function whole mouth taste test was performed in which the quality identification and intensity of taste solutions were measured. Dental caries was calculated using def and DMFT Index. Results: In the present study, statistically significant difference was found between the groups with respect to salivary pH (P = 0.007) and DMFT score (P &lt; 0.001). Regarding correct quality identification, the results were nonsignificant. However, three among pubertal and menopause respectively were unable to identify the sweet taste correctly. Regarding the intensity of taste perception, statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in sweet (P = 0.002) and bitter (P = 0.009) and no statistical significance regarding salt and sour tastes. Conclusion: Women are more susceptible to salivary changes because of unique hormonal changes they experience. Hence, in this study, decreased in salivary pH is associated with increased DMFT score.

Influence of AMY1 gene copy number on salivary amylase activity changes induced by exercise in young adults.

Human salivary amylase secretion increases in response to stress; the activity has been reported to rise significantly with high-intensity exercise. The human salivary amylase gene (AMY1) has copy number variation, with the copy number correlating with salivary amylase activity. However, the relationship between individual AMY1 copy number and salivary amylase activity in response to exercise remains unclear. In this study, we investigated AMY1 copy number and fluctuations in amylase activity in 42 healthy university students (25 males and 17 females). Participants engaged in intermittent round-trip interval training on a basketball court. Saliva samples were collected pre- and post-exercise to measure amylase activity. DNA was extracted from the oral mucosa, and AMY1 copy number was quantified using RT-PCR. Results showed a significant increase in amylase activity postexercise. Additionally, amylase activity pre- and post-exercise was positively correlated with AMY1 copy number. The generalize linear model showed that the exercise-induced increase in amylase activity per AMY1 gene was negatively related to the AMY1 copy number and aerobic fitness. Gender has no effect on amylase activity. These results suggest a different mechanism for the constitutive and exercise-induced amylase secretion, while aerobic fitness may be independently involved in the secretion.

Study on the relationship between EEG and salivary IgE under step-change temperature environments

The salivary immunoglobulin E (IgE) level that usually acts as an indicator of human immunity could change significantly with the air temperature. Electroencephalography (EEG) is a commonly used technique to assess the thermal responses of the human body to the environment. However, the relations between them under step-change temperatures would still need more evidence. Experiments were conducted in this study to explore the EEG–IgE relation. Three step-changed temperature conditions in the controlled environment by a climate chamber were selected in this study, under which the air temperature was suddenly transitioned from a low temperature of 15°C to higher temperatures of 18°C, 24°C and 30°C, respectively, before returning to the initial low-temperature condition. The subjective questionnaires, the EEG signals and the salivary samples from 14 subjects in these three step-changed temperature conditions were collected. Results showed that the thermal comfort voting was significantly correlated with the EEG spectral power and the IgE concentration. In addition, a significant negative correlation between the frontal lobe spectral power and the salivary IgE changes was observed. The spectral power of the frontal lobe could be used as an objective indicator to evaluate the salivary IgE levels under step-change temperature environments. This study has provided some guidance for future studies of the human immunity responses to the indoor environment in different seasons.

Assessment of salivary microbiota profile as a potential diagnostic tool for pediatric celiac disease

The association between oral dysbiosis and celiac disease (CD) remains poorly understood, as does the impact of CD-associated dysbiosis on disease development or exacerbation. This study aims to investigate alterations in salivary microbial composition among children with CD. In this cross-sectional study, saliva samples from 12 children with active CD (A-CD group), 14 children with CD on a gluten-free diet (GFD), and 10 healthy control (HC) children were analyzed using DNA sequencing targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA. Both patients in A-CD and GFD groups showed a significant increase (p = 0.0001) in the Bacteroidetes phylum, while the Actinobacteria phylum showed a significant decrease (p = 0.0001). Notably, the Rothia genus and R.aeria also demonstrated a significant decrease (p = 0.0001) within the both CD groups as compare to HC. Additionally, the control group displayed a significant increase (p = 0.006) in R.mucilaginosa species compared to both CD patient groups. Distinct bacterial strains were abundant in the saliva of patients with active CD, indicating a unique composition of the salivary microbiome in individuals with CD. These findings suggest that our approach to assessing salivary microbiota changes may contribute to developing noninvasive methods for diagnosing and treating CD.

Role of lingual mucosa as a graft material in the surgical treatment of Peyronie's disease.

Peyronie's disease (PD) is a localized fibrosis of tunica albuginea, which causes the anatomical and functional changes to the penis. Corporoplasty with grafting is indicated in severe (>60°) and complex curvature. Buccal mucosa is the most favored autologous graft material nowadays. The ventrolateral aspect of lingual mucosa has similar histological features to the rest of the oral cavity. This study aimed to test the efficacy, safety, durability, and reproducibility of corporoplasty with lingual mucosal graft (LMG) in the surgical treatment of PD in terms of surgical outcome, sexual function, and donor site complications. This prospective study included 19 patients of PD with severe and complex curvature, who underwent corporoplasty with LMG. Surgical and functional outcomes were assessed at follow-up planned at 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and 2 years. The mean operative time was 126.31 ± 21.45 min. Additional Nesbit's plication to correct the residual deformity was required in 26% (5 / 19) of patients. Straightening of the penis (curvature <10°) was achieved in 89% (17 / 19) of patients. Increase in the penile length (>1 cm) postoperatively was achieved in 63% (12 / 19) of patients and a shortening of penis occurred in 5% (1 / 19) of patients. Newer onset erectile dysfunction developed in 11% (2 / 19) of patients, and patient and partner satisfaction rates were 89% (17 / 19) and 84% (16 / 19), respectively, in a mean follow-up of 20.66 ± 5.37 months. Donor site complications were minimal and no patient had any salivary changes or speech disturbances. LMG provided excellent short-term results in terms of deformity correction, improved sexual function, and minimal donor site morbidity. The method is simple and reproducible, and multicenter studies with larger number of cases with longer follow-up are required to confirm these favorable results.

Salivary pH Changes and Biofilm Formation During Active Orthodontic Treatment with Clear Aligners and Fixed Appliances

Objective: To examine salivary pH changes and the plaque formation in two different orthodontic treatments clinically. Methods: The study sample included 40 patients, who were divided into two groups according to the type of orthodontic appliance: Group CA, (n=15) clear aligners; Group FT, (n=25) fixed appliances. Group FT received both metal (FT/SS) and elastic ligatures (FT/EM) for 2 weeks respectively to test the effect of ligature type also. Salivary pH values, plaque index, and plaque percentage were measured at T0 (after scaling and polishing) and T1 (after 2 weeks). pH was measured with a digital caliper (HI 2211 pH/ORP Meter) and plaque was identified by a discoloring agent (Tri Plaque ID Gel). The Paired t-test, Independent t-test, Anova test and Pearson Correlation tests were used in the statistical analysis. Results: There was significant decrease in salivary pH values after two weeks of metal ligature in FT/SS. Plaque index and plaque percentage parameters showed significant incremental changes between groups with the least increase in CA, followed by FT/SS and FT/EM respectively. Conclusion: Different types of orthodontic treatment and ligatures significantly effected salivary pH and the amount of plaque formation during orthodontic treatment. Aligners had the least effect on salivary pH and plaque formation while fixed treatment with elastic ligature affected the most. Therefore, aligner treatment may be more beneficial for patients with compromised oral hygiene.

Salivary testosterone changes during oral glucose tolerance tests in overweight and obese men - postprandial or circadian variation?

Serum total testosterone (T) decreases postprandially. Postprandial salivary testosterone (SalT) responses, however, have not been studied. We report on the effect of glucose ingestion on fasting SalT concentrations. To investigate the effect of oral glucose ingestion on fasting SalT. Salivary and blood samples were collected between 09.00 and 09.30 and two hours after a 75g oral glucose load in 32 men with mean (standard deviation) age of 52 (5.7) years and body mass index of 32.6 (5.56) kg/m2. Free T and bioavailable testosterone (BAT) were calculated using the Vermeulen equation. Two hours following oral glucose, there was a decrease in fasting mean (standard deviation) SalT [178.2 (56.6) vs 146.0 (42.2) pmol/L; p = 0.0003], serum cortisol [332 (105.0) vs 239 (75.3) nmol/L; p = <0.0001], prolactin [193 (75.0) vs 127 (55.9) mIU/L; p = <0.0001] and TSH [1.60 (0.801) vs 1.16 (0.584) mIU/L; p = <0.0001]. Plasma glucose increased [6.2 (0.72) vs 8.1 (3.71) mmol/L; p = 0.0029]. Serum total T, SHBG, albumin, Free T, BAT, gonadotrophins and FT4 remained unchanged. SalT decreased postprandially. A concomitant decrease in serum cortisol, prolactin and TSH reflecting diurnal variation offers an alternative explanation for the decrease in SalT independent of food consumption. Further studies are required to determine whether morning temporal changes in SalT are related to food consumption or circadian rhythm or both.

The expression of salivary EGF, VEGF, endothelin, and transferrin in waterpipe and cigarette smokers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of two forms of tobacco smoking, cigarettes and water pipe smoking (WPS), on the expression of a panel of salivary proteins in healthy adults. Three groups of age and gender-matched participants were enrolled in the study: never-smokers, cigarette smokers and WPS (N = 55 per group). Expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), endothelin and transferrin in unstimulated whole saliva was estimated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Statistical analysis consisted of one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests, in addition to bioinformatics analysis. VEGF expression was the least in WPS (51.1 ± 14.5 pg/ml) compared to both controls (150.1 ± 13.8 pg/ml) and cigarette smokers (93 ± 9.9 pg/ml), with a significant difference in WPS (p < 0.001) and cigarette smokers (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Furthermore, transferrin showed the weakest expression in the WPS group (1238 ± 261.4 pg/ml) compared to controls (2205.6 ± 298.6 pg/ml) (p = 0.05) and cigarette smokers (1805.4 ± 244 pg/ml). Neither EGF nor endothelin expression showed any statistical difference between the groups (p > 0.05). Gene-gene interaction network demonstrated that FLT1, TFRC, KDR, VEGFB and PGF genes had the highest potential for interaction with the studied proteins. Further functional annotations on the identified markers in the interaction network were performed to identify HIF-1 pathways among the most relevant pathways. In conclusion, smoking habits alter the expression of salivary VEGF and transferrin, which may correspond to early sub-clinical changes in the oral mucosa. The clinical relevance of these salivary changes requires further research.

Reversal of Valproate-Induced Major Salivary Gland Changes By Moringa Oleifera Extract in Rats.

This study aimed to explore the potential protective impacts of Moringa oleifera extract on major alteration in salivary glands of rats exposed to sodium valproate (VA). Groups were defined as control, control+moringa extract, sodium valproate, and sodium valproate+moringa extract. Antioxidant and oxidant status, activities of digestive and metabolic enzymes were examined. VA treatment led to various biochemical changes in the salivary glands, including decreased levels of antioxidants like glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, and superoxide dismutase (except for sublingual superoxide dismutase). Conversely, a decrease in alpha-amylase, alkaline and acid phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, protease, and maltase activities were observed. The study also demonstrated that VA induces oxidative stress, increases lipid peroxidation, sialic acid, and nitric oxide levels in the salivary glands. Total oxidant capacity was raised in all glands except in the sublingual gland. The electrophoretic patterns of proteins were similar. Moringa oleifera extract exhibited protective properties, reversing these VA-induced biochemical changes due to its antioxidant and therapeutic attributes. This research suggests that moringa extract might serve as an alternative treatment approach for individuals using VA and experiencing salivary gland issues, although further research is necessary to confirm these findings in human subjects.

The Effect of Oral Care Foams and a Spray on Salivary pH Changes after Exposure to Acidic Beverages in Young Adults.

Soft drinks may have a deleterious effect on dental health due to a high titratable acidity and a low pH that could be sufficient to induce tooth demineralization. The use of oral care products immediately after acidic challenge may diminish the erosive potential of soft drinks. We assessed the effect of oral care foams and a spray on salivary pH changes after exposure to Coca-Cola® in young adults. Thirty-three consenting eligible patients were recruited in this double-blind, randomized, crossover study performed in six visits. Baseline examination included unstimulated salivary flow rate, stimulated salivary buffer capacity, and the simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) assessment. Salivary pH and time for pH recovery were registered after exposure to Coca-Cola® alone or that followed by the application of each of the studied products (an oral foam containing hydroxyapatite and probiotics, an oral foam containing amino fluoride, an alkaline oral spray, and tap water). Thirty-two patients completed the entire study protocol and were included in the final analysis. The mean minimum salivary pH and the mean oral clearance rate after rinsing with Coca-Cola® were 6.3 and 27 min, respectively. Further rinsing with any one of the tested solutions, including tap water, resulted in a significant improvement in these parameters. When the pH curves were plotted, the oral care products demonstrated a lower area under the curve that differed significantly from the area under the curve for Coca-Cola®; tap water did not differ significantly from Coca-Cola® and oral care products. Minimum salivary pH correlated positively with salivary buffer capacity and salivation rate, while salivary clearance correlated with OHI-S plaque scores. In conclusion, the effect of oral care foams and a spray on minimum salivary pH and salivary clearance after exposure to Coca-Cola® did not differ significantly among the tested products and tap water. Trial registration NCT06148662. Funding: none.

Salivary α-amylase as a stress biomarker in mentally and physically disabled individuals during COVID-19 times.

Stress is faced by every individual in their day-to-day life activities. During pandemic, most people have experienced multiple episodes of depression, anxiety, and insomnia. Several medical and dental problems are reported with stress and the fastest and easiest way to study and investigate is through body fluids, mainly saliva. Hence, we aim to study salivary α amylase in disabled individuals and hypothesize that salivary α amylase could be a reliable stress biomarker in disabled individuals. Cross-sectional study was conducted including 200 individuals grouped into controls (100) and disabled individuals (100). Disabled individuals were further grouped into physically (50) and mentally (50) disabled. Stimulated and unstimulated saliva was collected from all the participants and were investigated for salivary α-amylase by direct substrate method. The enzyme activity was analyzed using a spectrophotometer and the obtained were analyzed statistically. Salivary α-amylase showed significant difference between controls and disabled group (p = 0.000). Salivary α-amylase was least in the mentally disabled group compared to physically disabled group. Age related comparison of salivary α-amylase was higher in physically disabled whereas gender related comparison showed females in physically disabled group to be more affected than controls. Saliva, the easy and most researched fluid, is rich in salivary α-amylase. Salivary α-amylase is a potential biomarker to assess stress. Further diagnostic studies are required to know the salivary changes and their influence on individual general health status.