IADR Abstract Archives
Salivary Physicochemical and Microbiological Alteration in Children with Cerebral Palsy
Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the physicochemical properties of saliva, including flow rate, viscosity, pH, buffering capacity and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) as well as Streptococcus mutans level in caries and caries free children with cerebral palsy and normal children. The relationship between these salivary parameters and dental caries was also evaluated.
Methods: This case control study included 80 children with CP as well as 80 normal children, aged 3-11 years. Equal number of cases (children having caries lesions) and controls (caries free children) were included in each group. A questionnaire was used to assess socioeconomic status and oral health practices, followed by intraoral examination evaluating caries experience, plaque accumulation, salivary drooling and viscosity. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all groups. Flow rates were determined, and samples analyzed for pH, buffer capacity and total antioxidant status. Microbiological evaluation of S. mutans was done through anaerobic cultures. Logistic and linear regression analysis were used to examine the factors associated with dental caries.
Results: Children with CP reported significantly poorer oral hygiene, higher dmft scores, as well as higher prevalence of drooling. Significantly lower values of flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and TAC were detected in the saliva of CP children. While more S.mutans colonies were isolated from their saliva. An increase in the unstimulated flow rate and buffering capacity was associated with lower odds of caries (OR= 0.11 and 0.23, respectively). Whereas, children with higher levels of TAC and S. mutans had higher risk caries (OR= 2.15 and 15.92, respectively). Linear regression also represents that these salivary paraments can significantly influence the number of the affected primary and permanent teeth.
Conclusions: Alteration in salivary parameters in children with CP support the possibility of salivary gland impairment in these population, and could explain the higher caries experience encountered in this group.
Methods: This case control study included 80 children with CP as well as 80 normal children, aged 3-11 years. Equal number of cases (children having caries lesions) and controls (caries free children) were included in each group. A questionnaire was used to assess socioeconomic status and oral health practices, followed by intraoral examination evaluating caries experience, plaque accumulation, salivary drooling and viscosity. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected from all groups. Flow rates were determined, and samples analyzed for pH, buffer capacity and total antioxidant status. Microbiological evaluation of S. mutans was done through anaerobic cultures. Logistic and linear regression analysis were used to examine the factors associated with dental caries.
Results: Children with CP reported significantly poorer oral hygiene, higher dmft scores, as well as higher prevalence of drooling. Significantly lower values of flow rate, pH, buffering capacity and TAC were detected in the saliva of CP children. While more S.mutans colonies were isolated from their saliva. An increase in the unstimulated flow rate and buffering capacity was associated with lower odds of caries (OR= 0.11 and 0.23, respectively). Whereas, children with higher levels of TAC and S. mutans had higher risk caries (OR= 2.15 and 15.92, respectively). Linear regression also represents that these salivary paraments can significantly influence the number of the affected primary and permanent teeth.
Conclusions: Alteration in salivary parameters in children with CP support the possibility of salivary gland impairment in these population, and could explain the higher caries experience encountered in this group.