Salivary Physicochemical Parameters in Relation to Dental Caries and Adiposity Status

• Published in: International journal of dental hygiene 2024-10
• Main Authors: Deng, Qianyi, Wong, Hai Ming, Peng, Simin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1601-5029; 1601-5037; 1601-5037
• DOI: 10.1111/idh.12845

The objective of this study was to investigate the correlations between salivary physicochemical parameters, adiposity, and caries indices in Hong Kong adolescents. A total of 921 adolescents aged 12-15 years from four randomly selected local secondary schools were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Dental examinations including the number of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), salivary physicochemical parameters, and anthropometric measurements were performed. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to examine the differences in salivary parameters and adiposity indices between participants with different levels of caries experience. Correlations between adiposity indices, salivary parameters, and caries indices were examined using Spearman's correlation coefficients. The participation rate was 83.6%. After exclusion, data from 695 adolescents were analysed. Adolescents with high caries experience (DMFT ≥ Significant Caries Index [SiC Index]) had significantly higher weight-to-height ratio (W/H) and waist circumference (WC) z-scores and lower unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates and buffering capacity than those with DMFT