MINERALISING POTENTIAL OF ORAL FLUID AMONG CHILDREN OF BUKOVYNA REGION

Abstract

The mineralising potential of the oral fluid is one of the key factors that determine the state of dental health and prevent the development of caries. Saliva performs a protective role, providing enamel remineralisation, neutralising acids and removing food residues. Children with caries have abnormal saliva composition, including a decrease in the concentration of calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase activity, which contributes to enamel demineralisation. The aim of the study was to determine the mineralising potential of oral fluid in children living in Bukovina by analysing the levels of calcium, phosphate ions and alkaline phosphatase. Materials and methods. Samples of oral fluid were collected in the morning without salivation stimulation, transported at –5 °C and examined using biochemical methods: calcium was determined by reaction with arsenase-3, phosphate – by reaction with molybdenum acid, alkaline phosphatase activity – by hydrolysis of inorganic phosphate. Statistical processing was carried out using the Student–Fisher and Wilcoxon criteria. Results of the study. The results showed that in children with different levels of caries intensity, the level of calcium in the oral fluid varied depending on the region. The highest values were recorded in the Vyzhnytsia district (1.53 ± 0.03 mmol/l), and the lowest in the Chernivtsi district (1.36 ± 0.03 mmol/l). Phosphate ions tended to decrease with increasing caries lesions. In children with a low level of caries intensity, their level was (4.56 ± 0.08 mmol/l), while in children with a high level it decreased by 11.62%. The activity of alkaline phosphatase was also the highest at low caries intensity and decreased at high caries intensity. Conclusions. Thus, the data obtained indicate a violation of the mineralising potential of the oral fluid in children with caries, which is manifested by an increase in calcium levels and a decrease in the concentration of phosphate ions and alkaline phosphatase activity. These changes are a consequence of demineralisation processes and disruption of natural remineralisation. The results of the study can be used to develop effective preventive programmes aimed at restoring the mineral balance in the oral cavity of children.