The effect of nutritional status on dental caries in relation to salivary flow rate, ph, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, copper and lead among five years old kindergarten children

Abstract EN

Background : Malnutrition in human life may adversely affect various aspects of growth and increase the severity of oral problems at different stages of life.

Teeth and salivary glands are particularly sensitive to malnutrition.

That may reduce salivary protective components that may increase caries incidence.

This study was conducted among malnourished kindergarten children aged 5 years in comparison to well-nourished group to determine the occurance and severity of dental caries in relation to salivary flow rate, pH, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, copper and lead.

Material and methods : This study was conducted among 84 malnourished and 89 well-nourished children aged 5 years.

The assessment of nutritional status was done by using three nutritional indicators, namely Height-for-age, Weight-for-age and Weight-for-height.

Diagnosis of severity of dental caries was recorded through the application of dmfs index.

The stimulated saliva was collected to determine salivary flow rate, pH, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, copper and lead.

Results : The results revealed that the mean values of dmfs were found to be higher among malnourished respectively than well-nourished groups respectively, but with no significant difference (P > 0.05).

A positive statistically significant correlation was observed between dmfs and ds and salivary lead for well-nourished group.

No significant correlation was recorded between the salivary flow rate and the salivary pH and all the salivary elements in malnourished group.

Nevertheless, a positive significant correlation was detected for the salivary flow rate and salivary pH and salivary inorganic phosphorus in well-nourished group.

Conclusion : Malnutrition affect on increase dental caries experience and reducing salivary flow rate, pH, inorganic phosphorus, calcium, copper and lead.