Salivary clinical data and dental caries susceptibility: is there a relationship?

Caries onset and progression is influenced by diverse bacterial, dietary, environmental, socioeconomic and physiological risk factors. The most significant markers include caries experience, the concentrations of mutans-group streptococci and lactobacilli, as well as protective factors, such as the buffering capacity of saliva. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare caries risk factors. The salivary parameters determined include: buffer capacity, cariogenic bacteria counts, pH, flow rate and total protein content. Individual aspects including hygiene and diet habits were also considered. Results showed that the value corresponding to the difference of stimulated saliva pH and resting saliva pH is positively correlated with DMFT index. Lactobacilli were positively correlated with mutans streptococci, as previously described for caries diagnostics. However, the results of this study were inconclusive, showing that salivary tests parameters either as single test or even in combination are incapable of predicting caries emphasising the importance of saliva composition.