Interdependence of dental caries and salivary parameters in children aged 5 and 12 years

Introduction: The aim of our research is to
determine the relationship between some salivary
parameters and dental caries in a group of subjects
with primary and permanent teeth.
Methods: The study included 70 respondents (35
males and 35 females) aged 5 and 12 years and all of
them had their caries incidence, caries risk profile,
oral hygiene index and the level of Lactobacillus and
Streptococcus mutans colonies in saliva recorded.
Results: The results obtained from the tests for the
total mean values of dmfs (5.35) and DMFT (5.54)
were high and in both age groups there was no
statistical difference in the values between the sexes
p>0.05. There was a statistical difference between
the level of risk and the values for oral hygiene in
both age groups of respondents. The analysis of
the relationship between the intensity of caries and
the pH of saliva showed statistically significant
differences between the pH of saliva in both the age
groups of 5 and 12 years in relation to the level of
dental caries. Lactobacillus indicate that in both age
groups they increase proportionally with the risk
of caries and there is a very significant statistical
correlation between Streptococcus mutans and
Lactobacillus and dental caries.
Conclusion: The results obtained in our research
speak of the need to invest in modern preventive and
preventive-therapeutic methods and measures that
will be consistently and timely applied.
Keywords: dental caries, oral hygiene, salivary
parameters, microorganisms