A study of some parameters in stimulated saliva from adolescents with dental fluorosis

In this study, parameters such as the flow rate, buffer capacity, sialic acid, protein and electrolyte concentrations, and amylase and peroxidase activities were analyzed in stimulated whole saliva from adolescents with dental fluorosis. From 135 adolescents (13 and 14 years-old) attending a primary and secondary school in the coastal city of Vitoria-Brazil, 72 were selected to participate in this study. The degree of fluorosis was graded using the TSIF, and was carried out by a calibrated and trained dentist. No variation in the flow rate, pH and buffer capacity, protein concentration or amylase activity was observed between the groups with dental fluorosis and the control group (fluorosis score 0). The peroxidase activity and sialic acid concentration showed some differences compared to the control. Sialic acid concentrations were reduced in the groups with dental fluorosis scores above 2. The concentration of Na was lower in adolescents with dental fluorosis, while Mg concentrations were higher in two fluorosis groups, Ca concentration was reduced in two groups with fluorosis. We conclude, that 13 and 14 year-old adolescents attending a school in the coastal city of Vitoria-Brazil showed no variations relative to some parameters and some variations in relation to others of the salivary parameters studied.