Method: We used Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) combined with weak cation exchange magnetic beads, and peptide mass fingerprints were created by scanning MS signals. Salivary samples from 20 children were analyzed (10 for each group).
Result: Differences in 91 protein peaks were observed between the two groups, and 11 of these were significantly different (p < 0.05). Eight protein mass peaks were higher in the S-ECC group, and three were higher in the CF group. To establish a diagnostic model for discrimination between the two groups, we chose three peptides (3182.6, 3195.8, and 3324.8 Da) that exhibited the best fitted curve.
Conclusion: The identified biomarkers indicated the possible pathogenesis of dental caries in terms of host factor involvement. Our results provide novel insight into the salivary protein profile of preschool-age children with dental caries and may lead to the development of a new strategy to screen for the high-risk population.