Evaluation of Saliva in Young Adults

Objectives: The aim of this study  was to investigate  the influences of gender, age, body weight and oral care habits on salivary flow rate (SFR) and buffering capacity (SBC) to determine the risk groups of dental caries in healthy young adults. Methods: Experiments were performed on 112 healthy volunteers. The volunteers  had no oral disorders and  braces. Study groups were composed of 8 women and 8 men with a mean age of 20.9 years (±1.9,range:18-24). The information on general health, oral care and habits obtained from interviews with study participants. Stimulated whole salivary samples were obtained by expectoration for 5 minutes. The flow rate was evaluated visually from graded test tubes (as ml/min). The buffer capacity was immediately determined by modified Ericsson method. Measurements of SFR and SBC, as well as body weight were used for assessment, and Independent-Sample t test, Pearson Correlation test and  One-way ANOVA  were used for  statistical evaluation. Results: The mean SFR and SBC in the women were 0.67(±0.39)ml/min and 5.59 and in the men were 0.77(±0.34)ml/min and 5.60, respectively. There were no significant differences in SFR and SBC  related to gender (p>0.05). A significant correlation was found between SFR and SBC  in all individuals (p=0.0005). SFR and SBC values were significantly high when the age had been considered (p<0.05). There were no significant differences in SFR and SBC  related to oral care habits (p>0.05). The mean body weight in the women and men were 54(±7.99)kg  and  73(±8.44) kg, respectively (p=0.0005). There were no correlation between SFR, SBC and body weight in all individuals (p>0.05). Conclusions: Significant associations between SFR, SBC, age and body weight of study participants. However, larger studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions.