Relationship of Chemical Composition of Saliva, Body Mass Index, and Nutrition with Permanent First Molar Caries in 6–12 Years Old

• Published in: Open access Macedonian journal of medical sciences Vol. 8; no. D; pp. 42 - 47
• Main Authors: Mollaasadollah, Fatemeh, Bakhshi, Mahin, Namdari, Mahshid, Papi, Zahra, Shabestari, Samira Basir
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 25.04.2020
• ISSN: 1857-9655; 1857-9655
• DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2020.4062

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a major health problem worldwide, which negatively affects the quality of life. The salivary concentration of calcium, phosphorus, pH, and flow rate of the saliva plays a role in its cariostatic activity. AIM: This study aimed to assess the relationship of biochemical composition of the saliva, body mass index (BMI), and nutrition with permanent first molar caries in 6–12 years old. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 47 children between 6 and 12 years with four fully erupted first molars. Their weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Dental examination was performed, saliva sample was collected, and a questionnaire was filled out. Data were analyzed using the SPSS version 21. RESULTS: A significant association was noted between BMI and caries (p = 0.002). The association between caries and frequency of drinking soft drinks per week (p = 0.002), frequency of eating sugary foods per week fast food per month (p = 0.001), saliva pH (p = 0.001), and saliva flow rate (p < 0.0001) was statistically significant. Although a significant association was noted between BMI and pH, saliva flow, and dental caries, no significant association was found between the composition of saliva (level of calcium and phosphate) with dental caries and BMI (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It appears that reduction in saliva flow and pH and high sugar intake in overweight subjects increase the risk of caries. Further studies on a larger sample size are required to evaluate the role of other constituents of saliva in this respect.