Search Results (39)

Background: This study analyzed the association between caries increment and clinical, salivary, bacteriological, and behavioral risk markers in a two-year follow-up study of schoolchildren in Mexico City. Methods: A two-year follow-up study was conducted in elementary schoolchildren, where 118 schoolchildren aged 7–10 years at baseline (50% boys) participated in the follow-up. Toothbrushing frequency, sugar consumption, and dental caries indices were recorded according to WHO criteria. Salivary secretion rates, buffering capacity (Dentobuff^®), and cariogenic bacterial counts (Dentocult SM and LB^®) were also measured. Logistic regression was applied to analyze associations between caries increment and risk markers. Results: The mean baseline caries indices were dmft 4.8 (SD 4.0) and DMFT 0.6 (SD 0.9). Children were classified into three caries experience groups: caries-free, filled-teeth, and caries-active. After two years, baseline caries-free children had a lower caries increment in permanent teeth (0.2, SD 0.7) than other groups (p < 0.0001). However, the caries increment was similar between groups (p = 0.0827). Logistic regression revealed associations with toothbrushing frequency [OR = 2.77, p = 0.026], S. mutans counts [OR = 3.38, p = 0.050], and Lactobacillus counts [OR = 2.91, p = 0.029]. Conclusions: Children with low toothbrushing frequency and high cariogenic bacterial counts developed more caries lesions than those with better oral hygiene and lower bacterial levels. Greater emphasis should be placed on promoting oral hygiene and reducing bacterial load in the oral cavity. Full article

Background. This randomized controlled clinical study aimed to evaluate changes in salivary secretion following injections of a hyaluronic acid and amino acid solution in patients with hyposalivation. Materials and Methods. A total of 100 patients with symptoms of hyposalivation were randomly assigned to either a study group or a control group (1:1). The consistency and pH of unstimulated saliva, as well as the volume and buffering capacity of stimulated saliva, were assessed using the Saliva-Check Buffer GC test at baseline and after the study period. Patients in the study group received injections of a hyaluronic acid and amino acid solution into the buccal mucosa in four sessions at two-week intervals, while the control group received no intervention. Results: Significant improvements were observed in the intervention group, including favorable changes in the consistency and pH of unstimulated saliva as well as increases in the volume and buffering capacity of stimulated saliva over the study period. A paired t-test demonstrated a significant increase in salivary pH following treatment (t = −10.07, p < 0.001). The mean pH increased from 6.54 (95% CI: 6.42–6.65) at baseline to 7.31 (95% CI: 7.22–7.40) after the intervention, representing a mean increase of 0.78 units (95% CI: 0.62–0.93). Additionally, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a significant improvement in stimulated salivary flow (V = 1275, p < 0.001). The median salivary volume increased from 1.5 mL at baseline to 5.0 mL post-treatment, representing a median increase of 3.75 mL (95% CI: 3.5–4.0). No statistically significant changes were observed in the control group for saliva pH, consistency, or buffering capacity. Stimulated salivary flow showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.002) but with a median increase of 0 mL, indicating no clinically meaningful change. Conclusions: Injections of a hyaluronic acid and amino acid solution may represent a promising therapeutic option for patients with symptoms of dry mouth. Study registered on Clinicaltrials NCT07309588. Full article

Background/Objectives: Oral functional decline is associated not only with impaired oral conditions, such as poor oral hygiene, oral dryness, decreased occlusal force, reduced masticatory performance, low tongue pressure, impaired tongue–lip motor function, and dysphagia, but also with deterioration in overall systemic health. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral function. This study investigated the relationships between conditions related to oral functional decline and salivary biomarkers. Methods: Elderly people residing in the Kyotango area were evaluated using oral function assessments, including the oral hygiene status, salivary flow rate, occlusal force, masticatory performance, tongue pressure, tongue–lip motor function, and swallowing function. Salivary biomarkers were evaluated using an oral environment assessment system (SillHa, Arkray, Kyoto). The biomarkers tested included cariogenic bacteria, acidity, buffering capacity, leukocytes, protein, and ammonia. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 30 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Results: Significant differences and correlations were observed between salivary biomarkers and five of the seven assessment criteria for oral functional decline: a poor oral hygiene status, oral dryness, decreased occlusal force, impaired tongue–lip motor function, and decreased masticatory function. A poor oral hygiene status was associated with the bacterial count and cariogenic bacteria. Oral dryness was associated with the salivary flow rate, acidity, and buffering capacity. Decreased occlusal force was associated with the number of remaining teeth, cariogenic bacteria, acidity, leukocytes, and protein. Impaired tongue–lip motor function was associated with the /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/ sounds and leukocytes. Decreased masticatory function was associated with masticatory performance, cariogenic bacteria, leukocytes, and protein. Conclusions: The present results suggest the potential of salivary biomarker testing using this assessment system as a simple and practical screening tool for identifying oral functional decline. Furthermore, salivary biomarker testing may be useful in oral function assessments. Full article

Background/Objectives: Saliva plays an essential role in maintaining the oral ecological balance, and its quantitative and qualitative characteristics may influence susceptibility to dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine susceptibility to dental caries based on the DMFT index and to establish a correlation between caries experience and salivary parameters in a group of young adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted between July and November 2025 on a sample of 87 fourth-year students from the Faculty of Dentistry in Craiova. Each participant underwent an intraoral clinical examination to determine the DMFT index. The salivary parameters assessed included unstimulated salivary flow rate, saliva consistency, salivary pH, stimulated salivary flow rate, and buffering capacity, using the GC Saliva-Check Buffer kit. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software, version 26 (SPSS Inc., Armonk, NY, USA). Results: The mean DMFT index value for the entire sample was 8.26 ± 4.481, with higher values observed among female participants. Low salivary pH was significantly associated with higher DMFT values. Participants with low or very low buffering capacity exhibited higher DMFT values compared to those with normal capacity, indicating that a reduced ability to neutralize salivary acidity is associated with increased caries activity. Conclusions: The results indicate that salivary pH and buffering capacity are important factors in dental caries susceptibility among young adults. The integration of salivary testing into the diagnostic assessment of caries risk may contribute to personalized and effective preventive strategies. Full article

Sports drinks are becoming increasingly popular, especially among young, physically active individuals. The influence of acidic drinks on dental restorative materials, including composites and glass ionomers, is an important concern in conservative dentistry. Acidic conditions can cause material degradation, which may reduce their longevity and clinical performance. We aimed to examine the effect of sports drink exposure on the colour stability of composite and glass ionomer materials. This systematic review was conducted based on records published from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2024, according to the PRISMA statement guidelines, using the databases PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase. Based on the established inclusion and exclusion criteria, 17 studies were selected for this review, of which 12 were included in a meta-analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated a statistically significant increase in colour change (ΔE) for microhybrid composites and nanocomposites after immersion in sports drinks for one month (SMD = 3.04; 95% CI: 0.67 to 5.41, and SMD = 3.00; 95% CI: 1.08 to 4.92, respectively). No such significant differences were observed for nanohybrid materials (SMD = 1.64; p-value = 0.579). Despite the findings of this systematic review, the extent of material degradation observed in in vitro studies cannot be directly translated to clinical oral conditions, as factors such as salivary buffering capacity and variable exposure to sports drinks influence outcomes. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and its treatment with cyclosporine and extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) on salivary caries risk factors. Methods: In this exploratory single-centre cross-sectional pilot study, saliva samples from 22 cGVHD patients were analysed for flow rate, pH, buffering capacity, and counts of Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus. A detailed dental examination assessed plaque, carious lesions, and their progression. Caries risk was determined based on general health and diet questionnaires and clinical findings. Results: Patients receiving a combination of cyclosporine and ECP had significantly fewer carious teeth, affected tooth surfaces, and non-cavitated carious lesions compared with those treated with ECP alone (Bonferroni test, p = 0.004, p = 0.002, and p < 0.001, respectively). Patients treated with ECP had more carious teeth and affected surfaces than those who did not receive either ECP or cyclosporine (p = 0.008 and p = 0.002), whereas patients treated with cyclosporine only had more non-cavitated lesions than those receiving both cyclosporine and ECP (p < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between cyclosporine dose and stimulated salivary flow (R = −0.672, p = 0.0486), and a positive correlation between cyclosporine dose and caries risk (R = 0.640, p = 0.0461). Conclusions: The disease and its treatment were associated with reduced salivary flow and increased caries risk. Patients’ oral health should be monitored regularly and managed with care to prevent further deterioration. Full article

Background: Dental caries is currently the most common chronic disease affecting the Spanish pediatric population. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess Caries Management by Risk Assessment (CAMBRA) in children attending a university dental clinic between the ages of 6 and 12 and establish the DMFT (decayed, missing, and filled teeth index for permanent teeth) of the sample. In addition, the study calculated the plaque index, salivary pH level, buffering capacity, and the quantity and quality of saliva in the sample and determined if there were statistical differences between sexes and between subgroups with DMFT = 0 (control) and DMFT > 0 (cases). Methods: A case–control study was conducted with 89 patients aged 6 to 12 years. Clinical and salivary indicators were measured. Caries risk was also assessed using the CAMBRA protocol, and the sample was also divided into control and case groups for further analysis. Results: The CAMBRA questionnaire showed that 65.2% of participants presented a high risk of caries. The sample showed an average DMFT of 0.65 with a plaque index of 57.2%. The mean salivary pH was 7.35 (±0.30). The average volume of stimulated saliva was 6.83 mL (±3.68), and the buffering capacity was classified as normal in 57% of cases. No statistically significant differences were found between sexes or in the evaluated risk factors. In the control group, the mean salivary pH value was 7.35, and the amount of stimulated saliva was 6.5 mL. The buffering capacity was classified as normal in 67% of cases. In contrast, the case group presented a mean pH value of 7.15 and a salivary volume of 5 mL, with a normal buffer capacity in 50% of cases. Conclusions: The CAMBRA protocol indicated that more than half of the participants presented a high risk of caries, indicating the need to customize treatment plans for each patient. The salivary pH showed statistic differences between the control and case groups, indicating the importance of incorporating salivary biomarkers into routine clinical practice. Full article

Introduction: This study investigates the severity of periodontal disease in patients with Parkinson’s disease by comparing clinical and salivary aspects. Materials and Methods: A total of 31 patients were included: 15 with periodontal disease (control group) and 16 with periodontal disease and Parkinson’s disease (study group). Demographic data, periodontal parameters (plaque index, tartar index, bleeding index, probing depth, periodontal pocket index) and salivary parameters included viscosity, pH, and buffering capacity were analyzed. Results: Patients with Parkinson’s disease exhibited slightly lower mean values for plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing, and tartar index compared with the control group, though these differences were not statistically significant. In contrast, salivary parameters, particularly buffering capacity, showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the groups. Conclusions: Parkinson’s disease impacts periodontal health. Early intervention and integrated care strategies may help mitigate oral health deterioration in Parkinson’s patients. Full article

Background/Objective: Diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2DM) is a significant global public health concern. This analytical cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of T2DM on the severity of dental caries and salivary properties. Methods: A total of 182 participants (n = 91 per group) were recruited into the T2DM and non-diabetes (ND) groups. Unstimulated whole saliva (UWS) and blood samples for HbA1c were collected. Clinical assessments included plaque index, SoproLIFE, ICDAS, and severity index for root caries. Results: A total of 92 male and 89 female participants were recruited in this study. The results showed that the mean of UWS pH was slightly lower in the T2DM (6.65 ± 1.12) than the ND group (6.88 ± 0.49), however the difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.065). The mean saliva buffer capacity was almost identical between the two groups, with values of 7.38 ± 3.2 in T2DM and 7.37 ± 2.83 in the ND groups (p = 0.973), indicating an insignificant difference. The mean saliva spinnbarkeit was slightly high and insignificant in the T2DM (4.57 ± 4.34) compared to the ND group (3.69 ± 3.6) (p = 0.141). The T2DM group had a significantly high proportion of participants with very low saliva flow rate (<0.1 mL/min) in comparison to ND (20.9% vs. 5.5%) (p = 0.004). ICDAS scores were significantly higher in T2DM (0.67 ± 0.32) when compared to the ND group (0.57 ± 0.24) (p = 0.014). ICDAS scores 3 and 6 were significantly higher in T2DM (2.76 ± 2.66; 0.86 ± 2.61) in comparison to ND (2.10 ± 2.00, 0.26 ± 0.96). Conclusions: Within the limitations of this analytical cross-sectional study, participants with T2DM demonstrated a higher risk of developing severe carious lesions and exhibited low salivary pH and flow rate when compared with non-diabetic individuals, supporting a possible association between glycemic status, salivary alterations, and caries severity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Pediatric periodontal inflammation arises from complex host–microbe interactions. Beyond bacterial biofilms, fungal colonization—particularly by Candida albicans—is increasingly recognized as a contributor. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between fungal and bacterial colonization, host inflammatory mediators, and salivary parameters in children. It also aimed to identify salivary biomarkers that could be useful for the early diagnosis of oral candidiasis and periodontal inflammation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 140 children (8–15 years): healthy controls (n = 70) and cases with oral candidiasis (n = 70). Clinical indices (Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Bleeding on Probing), salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity were recorded. Quantitative PCR assessed C. albicans and four periodontal pathogens, while ELISA measured salivary cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-8). Analyses included group comparisons, correlations, regression modeling, and principal component analysis (PCA). Results: Children with candidiasis exhibited higher PI, GI, and BOP (p < 0.001), along with reduced pH and buffering capacity (p < 0.001). Salivary loads of C. albicans and all targeted pathogens were elevated (p < 0.001). Cytokine levels were markedly increased (p < 0.001). GI correlated with C. albicans (ρ = 0.71) and cytokines (ρ = 0.62–0.76). Logistic regression identified C. albicans and IL-1β as independent predictors, while salivary pH and flow were found to be protective. PCA distinguished groups, with PC1 (55.2%) driven by fungal and cytokine markers. Conclusions: Oral candidiasis in children is defined by distinct microbial and inflammatory profiles. Salivary biomarker integration offers potential for early, non-invasive diagnosis and risk stratification. Full article

Background/Objectives: Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is a primary cariogenic bacterium contributing to biofilm acidogenicity and enamel demineralization. Conventional caries prevention relies mainly on mechanical plaque control and dietary modification, but probiotics have emerged as potential adjuncts for oral microbiota modulation. This pilot randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of a multi-strain probiotic containing Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium on clinical and microbiological parameters associated with dental caries in children. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in 40 children aged 6–14 years from a community setting. Participants were randomly allocated (1:1) to receive either probiotic or placebo lozenges for 30 days. Clinical assessments included the Gingival Index (GI), Plaque Index (PI), International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), salivary pH, buffering capacity, and salivary S. mutans concentration. The study was preregistered (10.17605/OSF.IO/GKVUW) and ethically approved. Results: The intervention was well tolerated, with no adverse events reported and high participant acceptability. Despite there being no statistically significant differences in any clinical or microbiological parameter (p > 0.05), we found trends toward higher salivary pH, improved buffering capacity, and reduced S. mutans counts in the probiotic group. Conclusions: Short-term probiotic supplementation was safe and well accepted among children but did not produce statistically significant improvements in oral health parameters over 30 days. These findings highlight the feasibility of probiotic use in pediatric populations and support the need for larger, longer-term trials to clarify their potential role as adjuncts in caries prevention. Full article

Salivary Multi Test (SMT) is a device that can quickly and noninvasively measure seven parameters related to the oral environment using saliva as a sample: (1) bacteria that cause tooth decay, (2) acidity, (3) buffering capacity, (4) occult blood, (5) white blood cells, (6) protein, and (7) ammonia. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate the relationship between SMT and oral and gut microbiota in healthy general residents. After propensity score matching, 198 participants were included (low SMT group: 99 participants; high SMT group: 99 participants). We reclassified participants four years after the follow-up survey and compared the low- and high-SMT groups. The high SMT score group indicating a poor oral environment showed increased Olsenella in both the oral cavity and gut at the start of the survey and four years later. Oral Olsenella was strongly correlated with occult blood and protein levels. In contrast, a 4-year follow-up study demonstrated that changes in oral Olsenella were associated with occult blood changes. Conversely, changes in gut Olsenella were associated with changes in occult blood and protein. A poor SMT score has been shown to be linked to increased oral and gut Olsenella and improving the oral environment can improve the oral–gut microbial environment. Full article

Background/Objectives: Tooth wear (TW) is a prevalent multifactorial condition resulting from chemical erosion and mechanical forces, yet the contributions of risk-group status and salivary factors remain insufficiently characterized. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between salivary characteristics and the severity of chemical and mechanical TW in at-risk groups, including gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), sleep bruxism (SB), eating disorders (EDs) and gambling disorder (GD). Methods: This cross-sectional observational study enrolled adults categorized into the four mutually exclusive at-risk groups and an age and sex-matched healthy control group. Demographic information, medical history, oral hygiene, diet, stress, and parafunctional habits were obtained through questionnaires. TW was assessed by a single examiner using TWES 2.0. Maximum bilateral force and salivary pH, flow and buffer capacity was measured. Correlations, multivariate linear regression, and mediation models were used to explore the relationships between the different variables and TW. Results: In total, 147 participants, divided into five groups (34 with GERD, 28 with SB 20 with GD, 20 with ED, and 45 controls) were included. The lowest resting salivary pH was observed in the GERD and ED groups (GERD: 6.63 ± 0.61; ED: 6.62 ± 0.52). The GERD group also exhibited the highest chemical (1.51 ± 0.58) and mechanical (1.08 ± 0.58) TW. Chemical and mechanical wear were strongly correlated, and mechanical wear increased with age. Risk-group status and salivary pH explained 47% of chemical wear, while age and bite force explained 54% of mechanical wear. Conclusions: Chemical TW was strongly linked to risk-group status—particularly GERD/ED—and low salivary pH, while mechanical TW related to age and bite force. Further longitudinal studies with larger samples, employing standardized methodologies and criteria are needed. Full article

Background: Metabolic syndrome is a multifaceted condition involving lipid and carbohydrate metabolism disorders and hypertension, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Accurate diagnosis and prevention require an interdisciplinary approach that includes both traditional lab tests and modern, non-invasive health assessments. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate metabolic health in adults from the Małopolska Voivodeship by analyzing the relationships between obesity indicators (BMI, waist circumference) and anthropometric, blood, and salivary biomarkers. Sixty-three participants (36 women, 27 men) aged 40–71 underwent body composition analysis (InBody 770), anthropometric measurements, and biochemical tests of blood and saliva. Assessed parameters included body composition (BMI, BFM, FFM, SMM, PBF, VFA, PA), blood pressure, blood biomarkers (glucose, TG, LDL, HDL, HbA1c, insulin, cortisol), and salivary markers (FRAP, DPPH, urea, amylase activity, protein content, pH, buffering capacity). Results: The results showed a strong correlation between body composition and biochemical markers, but the results of the analyzed salivary biomarkers were inconclusive and, in some cases, contradictory to the findings of other authors. Conclusions: Fat mass, cell integrity, and diastolic pressure were key determinants of waist circumference. Our research confirms the validity of using combined diagnostics, bioimpedance, and blood analysis for a comprehensive assessment of metabolic health and indicates the direction for further research using salivary biomarkers. A holistic approach improves risk assessment and strengthens preventive and therapeutic strategies. However, our pilot study showed that the research requires a larger sample size, especially in order to draw representative conclusions regarding salivary biomarkers and their relationship to metabolic health. Full article

Institutionalized psychiatric patients on chronic psychotropic medication are prone to xerostomia due to reduced salivary flow. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a topical sialogogue gel (Xeros Dentaid^®) in relieving drug-induced dry mouth in 81 residents at the Lisbon Psychiatric Hospital Centre (C.H.P.L.). Over 15 days, unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates, pH, and buffer capacity were measured before and after application. Results showed a significant increase in salivary flow (p < 0.001) and improved subjective symptoms. Topical sialogogues may represent an accessible and effective strategy for managing xerostomia in this vulnerable population. Full article