Saliva Composition Influence on Extrinsic Teeth Discoloration

Objectives:The black discoloration, frequent clinical and esthetic problem, is characteristicaly found as a thin line in a close proximity to and closely following the contour of the gingival margin of both the buccal and lingual or palatal surface of posterior teeth in particular.The present study was designed to identify the influence of buffer capacity and amount of stimulated saliva as well as of Streptococcus Mutans and Lactobacillus on extrinsic teeth discolorations. Methods:Experimental group consisted of sixty individuals 15-25 years old divided into two groups, the study group and the control group, the 30 in each. CRT buffer (Ivoclar/Vivadent) was used to determine the buffer capacity of saliva by means of a test strip featuring a special indicator system. Stimulated salivation was obtained by having patient chew a paraffin pellet and collect the saliva in the calibrated container over a period of 5 minutes.The buffer capacity of saliva was determined by comparing the colour of the test field with the colour samples (pictures) after exactly 5 minutes of reaction time. CRT bacteria was used to determine mutans streptococci and lactobacilli count in saliva by means of selective culture media. Thoroughly wetted agar surfaces with saliva was placed in the incubator at 37°C for 48 hours. The density of the mutans streptococci and lactobacilli colonies was compared with the coresponding evaluation pictures in model chart. Results: The saliva buffer capacity and mutans streptococci count among tested groups was found lower in the study group where the black discolorations found whereas amount of stimulated saliva and count of lactobacilli were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Obtained results reveal that buffer capacity of saliva and mutans streptococci caunt influence the incidence of extrinsic teeth discoloration.