[Salivary minerals and caries experience among adolescents in Syktyvkar, Komi Republic].

Abstract

Objective: To study the associations between salivary minerals concentrations and caries experience among adolescents in the conditions of one of the industrial centers of the Far North.

Material and methods: In total, 146 adolescents aged 15-17 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: Positive associations were observed between the number of decayed teeth and concentrations of sodium (p<0.001) and ionized calcium (p=0.003). Sodium (p=0.017), potassium p=0.005), magnesium (p=0.006) and phosphorus (p<0.001) concentrations were inversely associated with the number of filled teeth. Inverse relationships were identified between saliva pH and the number of decayed (p<0.001) and missing (p=0.009) teeth.

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.