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Article · Russian Journal of Stomatology · June 26, 2025

Associations between salivary minerals concentrations and caries experience among 12-years old children in Syktyvkar, Komi Republic

Л. Н. Горбатова, Galina A. Antonova, Yu.M. Zvezdina, Леонид Леонидович Шагров, N.I. Pechinkina, Anna A. Simakova

Andrej Grjibovski
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Abstract

Aim. To study the associations between salivary minerals concentrations and caries experience among 12-years old children. Material and methods. In total, 120 children aged 12 years took part in a cross-sectional study in Syktyvkar, Komi Republic. Caries experience was assessed as DMFT index and its components. Salivary concentrations of sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, total- and ionized calcium as well as salivary pH were determined. Poisson regression models were used for all calculations using Stata 18 statistical software. Results. The overall caries prevalence was 81.7%. DMFT index was positively associated with concentrations of sodium (p<0.001), potassium (p=0.011) and phosphorus (p<0.001), while the association with pH was inverse (p=0.002). The number of decayed teeth increased with an increase in the concentration of total calcium (p=0.046) and Ca-ion (p=0.018), and with a decrease in pH (p<0.001). Greater concentrations of sodium (p=0.002), potassium (p=0.020), magnesium (p=0.056) and phosphorus (p<0.001) were recorded in children with a more filled tooth. The number of missing teeth was positively related to sodium (p=0.042) and potassium (p=0.035) salivary concentrations. Conclusion. We observed significant associations between salivary minerals concentrations and caries experience among adolescents in Syktyvkar. When replicated in other populations, the results can be used to develop predictive models for caries progression in adolescents of the Russian North.

Dental Health and Care UtilizationSalivary Gland Disorders and Functionsdental development and anomaliesdental cariesDMFT indexsalivary sodium

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