pH Value Of Saliva Research Articles

Açaí juice stains a glazed resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

The aim of this study was to assess whether açaí compromises the surface colour and roughness of RMGIC in vitro. Disc-shaped specimens (2 mm thick, 8 mm in diameter) of Vitremer™ (3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) were prepared according to the manufacturer 's instructions. The mixture was inserted into a silicone mouldplaced between two mylar strips, and light cured. Specimens were randomly divided into three groups (n=25) according to the solutions to be used for chemical degradation: artificial saliva (control), açaí sorbet and açaí juice. A spectrophotometer CM-2600d/2500d (Konica Minolta, Tokyo, Japan) was used to analyse the colour (CIELa*b* scale). Surface roughness (Ra, mm) was measuredusing theprofilometer Surfcorder SE 1700 (Kosaka Corp, Tokyo, Japan). The specimens were subjected to three daily soaks (6 ml, 15 minutes) for 14 days at 37°C. They were washed in distilled water and placed in fresh saliva (30 minutes in the interval). After the third soak in a day, they were stored in fresh saliva overnight. Outcomes were analysed at baseline (L*, a*, b*, Ra) and after degradation (L'*, a'*, b'*, Ra'). The pH values of saliva, sorbet, and juice were 7.0, 3.8, and 4.9, respectively. ΔE* values were 6.6 for saliva, 6.9 for sorbet and 7.8 for juice. There was a significant ΔE* difference between saliva (p=0.005) and juice (p=0.002), and between juice and sorbet (p=0.019), but none between saliva and sorbet (p=0.401). There was no significant Δb* difference between the solutions. No difference between juice and sorbet was observed for Δa*, but they were significantly different from saliva (p<0.001). Brightness (L*) changed significantly. Juice showed the highest ΔE* (7.8) and ΔL* (7.7). No significant change was observed for roughness and there was no difference between the solutions for ARa. Açaí and saliva led to unacceptable staining, but no significant roughness changes in the resin-modified glass-ionomer cement.

KEP, KIM AND MT in primary teeth, in permanent teeth and mixed dentition

New scientific dental developments, in the last decades of the twentieth century and at the beginning of the XXI century provided high quality in dental treatment and higher percentage of restored teeth. Now as well, is very obvious that the dental problems cannot be solved only through application of therapeutic procedures. Considering the importance of the dental health, our purpose was dealing and collection of data around the role of the practice of the oral hygiene and the food quality in the maintenance of the oral health, the effect of KEP and the pH value of saliva, in comparison of published data from us on 2016. The purpose was realized by analyzing four research groups of the primary teeth, permanent teeth and mixed teeth with the control group, which consisted of student who followed schools where educative lessons for the oral health took place. All participants filled a questionnaire and were subject of additional clinical and lab analyses. The data of this study will help us to gain a real reflection on the frequency of the appearance of the caries in the territory of the Republic of North Macedonia; these data also can be of large help as a starting point on the creation of a new strategy for the systematic and preventive restoration.

Influence of Consumption of Nitrate-rich Beetroot Juice on Lactate Production in Saliva and Oral Biofilm - A Clinical Trial.

Diets rich in nitrates have the potential to prevent oral diseases such as caries or periodontitis. The reduced forms nitrite and nitric oxide have an antibacterial effect against cariogenic bacteria. The effect on bacterial acid production in saliva and oral biofilm is yet unknown. This study investigated the influence of consuming naturally nitrate-rich beetroot juice on bacterial lactate production in saliva and on the pH value of saliva and oral biofilm. In addition to their usual diet, a study group of eight subjects consumed 50 ml of beetroot juice daily for a fortnight. After a two-week break, they rinsed with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) for 14 days as a positive control. Bacterial lactate production was induced by rinsing with 50 ml apple juice and measured at different time points during the study. After two weeks of daily beetroot-juice consumption, an accumulation of nitrate and nitrite was measured in the saliva. No influence on the bacterial lactate production in saliva or the saliva and plaque pH was found. Commercially available beetroot juice showed no modulating effects on intraoral bacterial acid production, suggesting no caries-preventive properties under the tested conditions.

Correlation of serum biochemical parameters and saliva pH in healthy individuals

Saliva has the potential to work alongside needles in standard medical diagnosis. Yet the number of studies aimed at deciphering the biochemical communication between saliva and the rest of the body’s systems is still very limited. The aim of this study is to investigate the interfluid interaction between saliva and serum by determining the correlation between saliva pH and serum biochemical parameters under mild conditions. Ultimately, using saliva may provide a stress-free diagnostic tool, but more ambitiously, the pH of saliva could present a genuine cost-effective screening tool that may immensely benefit areas with limited access to health care and diagnostic labs. Saliva and blood samples were collected from 43 randomly selected children (7–12 years), living in Jeddah, free from obesity and chronic or systemic body and mouth diseases. A complete serum biochemical analysis was performed, and the salivary pH of all samples was measured immediately at the time of collection. The correlations between saliva pH and serum biochemical parameters were investigated using Univariate and multiple linear regression models. Our results showed that pH has a weak significant positive correlation with total protein and a negative weak significant correlation with urea. Weak correlations suggest the existence of more serum factors to be investigated for their effect on the pH using a stepwise multiple linear regression. The multiple linear models’ calculated saliva pH values were close to the measured values, demonstrating its possible capacity to predict saliva pH using serum parameters. The regression model’s successful prediction of saliva pH using serum biochemicals reflects the significant correlations between the body fluids’ parameters and invites more research to elucidate these relationships.

LABORATORY TESTING OF UNSTIMULATED AND STIMULATED SALIVA BUFFERING CAPACITY IN PATIENT AND CONTROL GROUPS AFTER TITRATION WITH HCl AND NaOH

Introduction: Buffer capacity is the “resistance” of saliva to change pH when treated with acid or base. In other words, saliva has a greater buffering capacity to which more acid or base needs to be added in order for its pH to decrease or increase by a certain value. Aim: Laboratory examination of the buffering capacity of unstimulated and stimulated saliva in patients of the experimental group and subjects of the control group in relation to age and gender. Material and method: Determination of the pH value of saliva is done with a pH meter (HANNA instruments 8521). The obtained amount of saliva is diluted with distilled water. Each sample is divided into two equal parts, and the pH value of the sample is measured. Saliva titration is done with acid (HCl) and base (NaOH), adding 100μl of HCl to each sample and 100μl of NaOH to each sample, in the range from pH 3 to pH 11. Results: There is no statistical significance of the differences in the mean values of the buffer capacity. Conclusion: There is a difference in the mean values of the buffer capacity in favor of men, which explains that in men a larger amount of spent buffer is needed to change the pH by one unit.

Changes of Oral Microbes during Pregnancy and Its Effect on Premature Birth

Premature birth, stillbirth, low birth weight babies, hypertension, and other negative pregnancy outcomes are all associated with women's dental health during pregnancy, according to several studies. Premature birth is a common complication of pregnancy. Premature birth refers to the birth of the fetus before 37 weeks of pregnancy, which is the main cause of death of children under 5 years old. Therefore, it is critical to comprehend the mechanism of premature birth and prevent it effectively. Existing studies have shown that pregnancy, especially in the early stage, promotes the proliferation of microbes in the mouth and promotes the colonization of periodontal pathogens. Gingivitis and periodontitis are more common in pregnant women than in non-pregnant women. The reasons for the changes of oral microbes during pregnancy may be the increase of maternal progesterone and estrogen, as well as the changes of immune system. The pH value of saliva will also decrease during pregnancy, which is related to oral diseases. At present, there are two mechanisms of premature birth caused by oral microbes. One is that oral bacteria reach the uterus through blood borne transmission, and intrauterine infection leads to premature birth. The other is that endotoxin released by bacteria will increase inflammatory mediators and trigger the release of inflammatory factors (such as interleukin and tumor necrosis factor) and prostaglandins in the uterus, leading to premature birth. This paper summarizes the changes and causes of oral microbes in women during pregnancy and the two mechanisms of oral bacteria leading to premature birth and puts forward some measures to prevent and treat oral diseases during pregnancy, so as to provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of premature birth.

The Use of Saliva Sample Evaluating PaO2, PaCO2, pH, and HCO3 Values in Traumatic Patients under Mechanical Ventilation; As a Non-Invasive Approach than the Arterial Blood Gas Sampling

Background: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) analysis is a commonly ordered test to investigate respiratory, circulatory, and metabolic status in traumatic patients with inappropriate perfusion and ventilation situations. Difficult sampling, hemorrhage risk of arterial puncture, and other vascular complications lead us to use saliva sampling as a safer non-invasive approach to evaluate PaO2, PaCO2, pH, and HCO3 values.&#x0D; This study was aimed to evaluate the correlation of PaO2, PaCO2, pH, and HCO3 values between ABG and saliva gas in traumatic patients under mechanical ventilation.&#x0D; Methods: This was a retrospective cross-sectional study of 18-85-year-old traumatic patients under mechanical ventilation conducted in an academic medical hospital. They were investigated based on age, sex, and ABG values as well their saliva gases values. The Paired t-test, Pearson χ2, and Pearson correlation were used to evaluate the correlation between the gases values in ABG and saliva. Data were analyzed using Mann–Whitney U test and Kolmogorov–Smirnov test.&#x0D; Results: There were 120 patients including 53 men and 67 women enrolled. None of the factors of arterial and salivary gases were significantly different between men and women. And the amount of these factors is homogeneous in both groups (P &lt;0.05). The mean factors of arterial PaCO2 and HCO3 and saliva PaCO2 and HCO3 were significantly different between smokers and non-smokers.&#x0D; Conclusion: The values of salivary gases correlated with these of ABG. This can expand the use of salivary gases analysis as an alternative to ABG analysis in clinical settings to reduce the logistic burden of arterial sampling as well as to better perform ventilator device settings. These results were aligned with previous studies.

THE EFFECT OF JICAMA ON CHANGES IN SALIVA ORAL CAVITY

Saliva is a complex fluid in maintaining healthy teeth and mouth. One of the ingredients based on local wisdom that can be used as a natural cleanser from plaque and debris on teeth is Jicama. Jicama has a very large content of water and fiber, Chewing Jicama can stimulate and increase salivation. This study aims to determine the effect of Jicama on changes saliva in the oral cavity.The type of research used is Quasi-Experimental using pre and post design with non control group design. The population of this study is all level II students of AKG Puskesad. The total sampling was 36 respondents. Data analysis using the Wilcoxon and Kruskal Wallis Tests.The results of the results of the analysis test of this study showed that the average pH value of saliva before and after chewing Jicama decreased with a value of 18.90 to 16.50 (p-value = 0.001), a saliva viscosity value of 18.00 to 0.00 (p-value = 0.001) and a buffer capacity value increased from a value of 12.00 to 12.55 (p-value = 0.001). The correlation test between saliva Ph and saliva viscosity obtained a value of r = 0.526 (p-value = 0.001). The Effect of Jicama on Changes in pH, Viscosity and Saliva buffer capacity.

Effect of Spray Use on Mouth Dryness and Thirst of Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Study

PurposeThe aim of this study was to determine the effect of spray use on mouth dryness and thirst of patients undergoing major abdominal surgery during the postoperative period DesignThis research was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. MethodsOne hundred thirty patients undergoing abdominal surgery were assessed for eligibility; the sample consisted of N = 104. Subjects were randomized into one of three groups. Subjects in the control group were administered a small amount of water at room temperature using a syringe (clinic routine application, approximately 1-2 mL). Subjects in the second group were administered cold water spray orally (0.4 mL per application). Subjects in the third group were administered cold saline (0.9% NaCl) spray orally (0.4 mL per application). Applications were performed twice every hour. Subjects’ postoperative thirst severity, mouth dryness severity, oral health condition, and pH values of saliva were evaluated after 8, 20, 24, 36 and 40 hours. Subject satisfaction was evaluated at the end of the second postoperative day. FindingsIn our study, no significant difference was found between the three groups in terms of age, gender, American Society of Anesthesiologists grade (ASA), preoperative thirst and mouth dryness, and preoperative oral health condition (P > .05). A significant difference was found between the groups in terms of subjects’ thirst and mouth dryness severity scores after 8, 20, 24, 36, and 40 hours (P < .05). The intervention group that received cold water spray demonstrated statistically significant differences when compared to the control and saline moistening groups. No significant difference was found between subjects’ oral health condition and pH scores after 4, 8, 20, 24, 36, and 40 hours (P > .05). ConclusionsThe results of our study show that cold water spray was more effective on the thirst and mouth dryness scores of subjects undergoing major abdominal surgery compared to cold normal saline spray and water applied using a syringe, although it was not an effective factor on oral health condition and pH values of saliva.

A significant association between acid-alkaline imbalance and obesity of adolescent college girls

Obesity has become a major health concern in the past few decades. It is quite threatening that it is now a common problem among our adults, especially girls. The possible reason for this alarming increase is might acid-alkaline imbalance by the disproportional diet of our young girls. Therefore, current research was planned to identify an association between acid-alkaline imbalance and obesity of adolescent college girls. The nutritional and acid-alkaline status of 428 college girls aged between seventeen-nineteen years from Government Girls Higher Secondary school, Nishatabad, Faisalabad, were evaluated in this prospective study. Blood, saliva, and urine samples were used as study instruments, along with a food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measures. Based on Body Mass Index (BMI), 227, 178, and 23 volunteers were found to be normal weight, underweight and obese, respectively. The anthropometrics, indicative biomarkers, and dietary intakes of all volunteers were assessed. It is found that weight (63.19±1.57 kg), BMI (29.17±0.64 kg/m²), body fat (34.45±0.58 %), body water (47.73±0.42%), and muscle mass (34.65±0.22%) of obese girls fluctuates significantly from normal ones and international standards. Drastic and significant variations in acid-alkaline status were found in obese girls as depicted by pH values of blood (7.35±0.01), saliva (5.46±0.13), and urine (5.77±0.11). Very pitiable, inadequate, and imbalanced dietary intakes were explored in obese students as indicated by servings of junk foods (4.82±0.53), fats, oils, &amp; sweets group (4.56±1.09), vegetable group (0.86±0.09), and fruit group (1.72±0.18). A positive association was found in some dietary intakes and indicative biomarkers. Malnutrition resulted in meager anthropometrics, imbalance of acid-alkaline status, and obesity in adolescent college girls.

Transformation temperature and corrosion behavior of porous NiTi and NiTiCu shape memory alloy

The present research work deals with the fabrication of porous NiTi and NiTiCu shape memory alloy (SMA) by powder metallurgy process. These SMAs have number of applications in medical and space industries. The transformation temperature of both SMAs is measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Corrosion behavior is measured by potentiodynamic polarization curve in the presence of artificial saliva (pH value 7.4). Result shows that transformation temperature decreases by 8 °C to 10 °C after copper addition. Also, the corrosion current density decreases for NiTiCu, which exhibit more corrosion resistant than equi-atomic NiTi alloy. The corrosion current density of NiTiCu is less than NiTi by a factor of 31.

Oral Mucosa Status and Saliva Parameters of Multimorbid Adult Patients Diagnosed with End-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease.

There has been an increasing number of patients diagnosed with chronic diseases. Many of those diseases determine changes in patients’ social and even professional life. The aim of the present work was to analyze saliva and oral mucosa parameters in adult patients diagnosed with chronic diseases. A total of 228 patients took part in the research. A total of 180 patients were hemodialyzed in Diaverum dialysis stations, and there were 48 patients from the Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics Clinic of the Academic Centre of Dentistry of Silesian Medical University in Bytom and patients from the dentistry division of the Arnika Clinic in Zabrze not diagnosed with any such diseases. Selected saliva parameters (secretion, pH and buffer capacity) and mucosa status were examined. In order to obtain information regarding xerostomia, patients were given a questionnaire. Patients assigned to the control group rarely used water to make swallowing easier or used candies to lessen the feeling of oral cavity dryness. They also rarely suffered from eye dryness. The feeling of dryness also did not influence their social life. The amount of produced saliva was higher in the control group. There was a significantly lower percentage of patients with a low buffer capacity of saliva. There were no differences in terms of saliva pH values between the two groups of patients. A significantly lower number of patients were diagnosed with ecchymosis, candidiasis, scrotal tongue and mechanical damages. Patients diagnosed with chronic diseases need to be provided with long-term care.

Oral pH value predicts the incidence of radiotherapy related caries in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients

Radiotherapy-related caries is a complication of radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma; however, factors influencing the occurrence, accurate prediction of onset, and protective factors of radiotherapy-related caries remain unclear. This study analyzed risk factors, disease predictors, and protective factors for radiotherapy-related caries in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. This prospective study included 138 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients receiving radical radiotherapy at our hospital during June 2012–December 2016 and were followed up for dental caries. Patients’ clinical data on radiotherapy were collected, dynamic monitoring was performed to assess changes in oral pH values, and a questionnaire survey was administered to collect patients’ lifestyle habits. Time-dependent cox regression trees, event-free Kaplan–Meier curve, Mann–Whitely U test were used to analysis the results. The median follow-up time was 30 (12–60) months. Radiotherapy-related caries occurred in 28 cases (20.3%). Univariate analyses showed that radiotherapy-related caries was associated with patient’s age, oral saliva pH value, green tea consumption, and radiation dose to sublingual glands, but not with the radiation dose to the parotid and submandibular glands. Multivariate analysis showed that oral saliva pH value [hazard ratio (HR) = 0.390, 95% confidence interval = 0.204–0.746] was an independent prognostic factor for radiotherapy-related caries. Patients with oral saliva pH values ≤ 5.3 in the 9th month after radiotherapy represented a significantly higher risks for radiotherapy-related caries (p < 0.001). Green tea consumption was associated with the occurrence of radiotherapy-related caries, and oral saliva pH values could predict the occurrence of radiotherapy-related caries. Limiting radiation doses to sublingual glands can reduce the occurrence of radiotherapy-related caries.

Effects of Oral pH Changes on Smoking Desire.

Background: Nicotine addiction is associated with nicotine absorption from the buccal mucosa, and it is stated that the main factor that determines nicotine absorption is saliva pH. In the literature, the effects of changes in saliva pH values after eating and drinking on smoking desire in smokers were not questioned.Aim: To show the effect of saliva pH changes on smoking desire. The secondary aim was to show the impact of coffee and water drinking on saliva pH and smoking on oral-dental health (oral hygiene and gingival bleeding).Study Design: Case–control study.Methods: A questionnaire was administered that included “Socio­demographic Data Form” and smoking history and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Oral and dental examinations were performed with mirror sonds and using oral hygiene standard Silness and Leöe plaque index and DMFT Index (Index of Decayed Missing or Filled Teeth). Untreated saliva samples were taken, and baseline saliva flow rate and pH values were measured. To assess pH changes, saliva pH was remeasured after sugar-free instant coffee and water consumption. Smoking desire was evaluated with the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).Results: In this study, 24 (55.8%) females and 19 (44.2%) males were among the 43 smoking and 39 nonsmoking cases. Smoking was significantly associated with poor oral hygiene (in smokers 4.71 (±1.40), in non-smokers 2.30 (±1.59); P < .01). DMFT index was higher in smokers than in non-smokers (in smokers 6.45 (±3.69), in non-smokers 3.87 (±2.67); P < .01). Gingival bleeding was more prevalent in smokers (0.68 (±0.76)) than non-smokers (1.20 (±0.90); P = .009). Salivary flow rates were lower in smokers (in smokers 2.56 (±1.34), in non-smokers 3.00 (±1.22), P = .06). In both groups, pH values increased after coffee consumption and decreased after water; in smokers basal: 6.67 (±0.41), pH coffee: 6.93 (±0.36), pH water: 6.85 (±0.33); in non-smokers pH basal: 6.84 (±0.37), pH coffee: 7.02 (±0.37), pH water: 6.97 (±0.31), P < .01. The VAS values of smokers at basal 4.73 (±3.21); P < 0.01, after coffee consumption 4.91 (±3.08); P < .01, and after water 3.15 (±2.72); P < .01.Conclusion: The saliva pH increased after coffee consumption and decreased after drinking water. Besides, VAS values decreased significantly after drinking water. The results suggest that a simple behavior such as drinking water may be used in conjunction with behavioral and cognitive therapies to pursue smoking cessation.

Characteristics of Saliva in FK Ukrida Students After Chewing Paraffin, Xylitol and Sucrose Gum

Data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia in 2009 shows that national sugar consumption per capita reaches 12kg / year. Snacks consumed mostly were based on sucrose sugar and it turns out that sucrose is increasing the insidens of caries because sugar-based foods and drinks cause acid-resistant bacteria to obtain a suitable environment for growth. To overcome this problem sucrose was replaced with alcohol sugar such as xylitol, especially in chewing gum. However, it is still unknown the effect of xylitol on saliva. The purpose of this study was to see whether there were differences in salivary characteristics after consuming paraffin, xylitol chewing gum and sucrose chewing gum by looking at salivary pH values, reducing sugar levels in saliva and salivary flow rates. Saliva collection is done by spitting method then the total volume is divided by the time of collection to get the flow rate of saliva. Salivary pH is measured using a pH meter while reducing sugar levels are measured using the Benedict's test. The sample for this study consisted of 50 Ukrida FK students. The results of this study indicate that the highest salivary flow rate is after chewing xylitol chewing gum. While the reducing sugar levels in saliva are only found after chewing sucrose chewing gum. For salivary pH values, after chewing sucrose chewing gum the most acidic pH was obtained when compared to after chewing paraffin and xylitol chewing gum. From the research that has been done, after consuming paraffin, xylitol chewing gum and sucrose chewing gum, the highest salivary flow rate was obtained after consuming xylitol chewing gum, while the lowest was after consuming paraffin. Meanwhile, the highest pH value of saliva was after consuming paraffin and the lowest was after consuming sucrose chewing gum. Meanwhile, reducing sugar levels in saliva was only found after consuming sucrose chewing gum and was not found after consuming paraffin and xylitol chewing gum. From this study it can be concluded that there are differences in the characteristics of saliva among FK Ukrida students after consuming paraffin, xylitol chewing gum and sucrose chewing gum.

Urease activity in caries free and caries active children

Few studies have proven that urease has caries inhibiting effect. Urease enzymes hydrolyze urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide. This ammonia raises the pH value of plaque and saliva which will reduce caries activity. The aim of this investigation was to measure and compare the urease activity level before and after carbohydrate rinse in caries free and caries active children of 5-12 years. 30 caries free and 30 caries active children aged 5-12 years were selected for the study. A child was not eligible if he/she has systemic illness and received antibiotics within the last three months. DMFT/dmft was recorded to define the caries status, unstimulated saliva was collected in the eppendorf tubes and supra gingival plaque was collected from all available smooth surfaces. Urease activity was measured following biochemical protocol. Mean, standard deviation, median, and range (min.-max.) of urease activity was calculated. TheIndependent sample t test” was done to compare urease activity in both groups. Paired sample t test” was applied to knowthe change in the urease activity pre and post oral sucrose rinse in saliva and plaque Increased saliva and plaque urease activity was found in caries free group compared to caries active group and in both groups urease activity increased after oral carbohydrate rinse for both saliva and plaque samplesThe strategy can be developed for carbohydrate rinse to generate higher urease activity for caries control and urease activity measurement could be considered as parameter for caries risk assessment in children.

A Preliminary Study on pH Changes of Storage Solution and Weight Changes of Ionomer Cements: Influence of Phosphate Content

This in vitro study was carried out to investigate the impact of varying phosphate fractions on pH changes of storage solution of artificial saliva and weight changes for four experimental ionomer cements at specific time intervals. Three disc-form specimens for each composition were prepared, weighed-out (initial weight = W0) and then immersed individually in 10 ml of artificial saliva (initial pH = 6.5) for the experimental periods at 37oC. At 7, 14 and 28 days, the final pH values of artificial saliva solutions were measured using a pH electrode meter. The discs were immediately collected, dried and re-weighted (final weight = W1) to calculate the weight changes by percentage. All tested cements were bringing the pH slightly down towards the acidity level after 7 days, and then the values became relatively stable when the time progressed further up to 28 days. As well, the data showed that the less phosphate was added to the basic ionomer glasses, the less in fluence on pH rate was evaluated. A linear relationship between the pH values as a function of phosphate content was obtained at all time points. In terms of weight changes, there was a moderate increase in the mass during the entire experimental period. The extent of the changes in pH values of artificial saliva and in specimen's weights led to the conclusion that the ionomer glass components have a crucial role in controlling the material behaviour. Further studies have to be done

Effects of Oral pH Changes on Smoking Desire.

Nicotine addiction is associated with nicotine absorption from buccal mucosa and it is stated that the main factor that determines the nicotine absorption is saliva pH. In the literature, the effects of changes in saliva pH values after eating and drinking on smoking desire in the smokers were not questioned. The main purpose of this study was to show the effect of saliva pH changes on smoking desire. The secondary aims were to show the effects of coffee and water drinking on saliva pH and the effects of smoking on oral-dental health (oral hygiene, gingival bleeding). Case-control. A questionnaire was administered that included "Sociodemographic Data Form" and smoking history and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Oral and dental examinations were performed with mirror sonds and using oral hygiene standard Silness and Leöe plaque index and DMFT Index (Index of Decayed Missing or Filled Teeth). Untreated saliva samples were taken and baseline saliva flow rate and pH values were measured. To assess pH changes, saliva pH was remeasured after sugar-free instant coffee and water consumption. Smoking desire was evaluated with Visual Analog Scale (VAS). There were 24 (55.8%) female and 19 (44.2%) male among the 43 smoking and 39 nonsmoking cases. Smoking was significantly associated with poor oral hygiene (in smokers 4.71 (←1.40), in nonsmokers 2.30 (←1.59); p<0.01). DMFT Index was higher in smokers than in nonsmokers (in smokers 6.45 (←3.69), in nonsmokers 3.87 (←2.67); p<0.01). Gingival bleeding was more prevalent in smokers (0.68 (←0.76)), than nonsmokers (1.20 (←0.90); p=0.009). Salivary flow rates were lower in smokers (in smokers 2.56 (←1.34), in nonsmokers 3.00 (←1.22), p=0.06). In both groups, pH values increased after coffee consumption and decreased after water; in smokers basal:6.67 (±0.41), pHcoffee: 6.93 (±0.36), pHwater: 6.85 (±0.33); in nonsmokers pHbasal: 6.84 (±0.37), pHcoffee: 7.02 (±0.37), pHwater: 6.97 (±0.31), p<0.01. The VAS values of smokers at basal 4.73 (±3.21); p<0.01, after coffee consumption 4.91 (±3.08); p<0.01 and after water 3.15 (±2.72); p<0.01. The saliva pH increased after coffee consumption and decreased after drinking water. Besides VAS values decreased significantly after drinking water. The results suggest that a simple behavior such as drinking water may be used in conjunction with behavioral and cognitive therapies in the pursuit of smoking cessation.

Reduced salivary flow and caries status are correlated with disease activity and severity in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis

ObjectiveTo analyze the correlations of saliva production and pH value with disease activity, disease severity, and oral health-related quality of life in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc) without concomitant Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) or SS-related antibodies.MethodsThis cross-sectional study included 28 patients with dcSSc and matching healthy controls. Sialometric assessment and caries status were compared between the two groups. Clinical and laboratory parameters were used to evaluate disease severity, in accordance with the Medsger Severity Scale.ResultsIn patients with dsSSc, reduced saliva production and higher pH value were associated with disease activity and severity; moreover, caries status was correlated with SSc disease characteristics, including disease duration and disease severity. Oral health-related quality of life was negatively correlated with mean salivary flow rate.ConclusionsThese findings contradict the existing notion that reduced saliva production in patients with SSc is linked to SS-related antibodies or caused by underlying SS. In addition, patients with dcSSc exhibit elevated risk of cardiovascular disease and invasive dental treatment has been shown to enhance the rates of stroke and heart attack in the general population; therefore, oral health is particularly important in patients with SSc.

The Efficacy of a Dietary Supplement with Carnosine and Hibiscus Sabdariffa L. (AqualiefTM) in Patients with Xerostomia: a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial.

The purpose of this study was to test the safety and efficacy of AqualiefTM in patients affected by xerostomia. The main ingredients of AqualiefTM are carnosine and dried calyces of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (karkadè) for their buffering effect at pH 7 as well as for their antioxidant, antimicrobial and lenitive properties. In a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Trial, sixty patients with xerostomia (RTOG/EORTC grade 1-2) were randomly assigned to receive either placebo, or AqualiefTM tablets (three times/day after meals) for 6 consecutive days. A questionnaire was used to evaluate dry mouth symptoms before and after 6 days of AqualiefTM or placebo application. Unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and pH were measured before and after application. Treatment with AqualiefTM for 6 days induced a significant increase in saliva pH from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.4 ± 0.6 (P < 0.05) while placebo was ineffective (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). AqualiefTM also induced a significant increase in the pH of stimulated saliva from 6.3 ± 0.5 to 6.6 ± 0.5 (P < 0.01). Placebo was ineffective also in this setting (from 6.2 ± 0.5 to 6.3 ± 0.5). Besides an expected normalization of the saliva pH value, AqualiefTM treatment for 6 days greatly increased (56%, P < 0.0001) saliva production. Placebo induced a 19% increase (P < 0.05), which was likely due to mechanical stimulation. AqualiefTM also increased stimulated saliva production (27% increase with respect to day 0, P < 0.05), while placebo was ineffective. AqualiefTM was effective in regulating the saliva pH, in increasing saliva production and improving dry mouth symptoms in xerostomic patients.