Estimation of Salivary pH, Viscosity, Flow Rate in Children with and without Early Childhood Caries – An Observational Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Early Childhood Caries (ECC) is a chronic disease of childhood affecting the primary dentition. It is also termed as nursing caries or baby bottle tooth decay. It has a multifactorial etiology and salivary parameters are considered as one of the important etiological factors of ECC. The present study was done to compare the salivary pH, flow rate and viscosity in children with and without ECC. Materials and Methods: It is a cross-sectional observational study conducted at Saveetha Dental college and Hospitals. Children between 3-6 years were examined and 20 caries free, 20 children with ECC and 20 children with Severe ECC were recruited for the study. The examination and sample collection were done by a single qualified Pediatric dentist. The samples were collected and analysed for salivary pH, flow rate and viscosity. Results: The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences in salivary pH levels in children with and without ECC. Statistically significant difference was evident in salivary flow rate and viscosity in caries-free, moderate ECC and severe ECC children. Conclusion: • There is no significant difference in salivary pH levels in children with and without ECC. • There is a significant difference in salivary flow rate and viscosity among caries free, moderate ECC and Severe ECC children • Higher flow rate and low viscosity results in reduced caries occurance