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Salivary nitrate--an ecological factor in reducing oral acidity
1Centre for Ecology and Hydrology--Oxford, Natural Environmental Research Council, Oxford, UK.
Oral Microbiology and Immunology
|January 24, 2007
Summary
Dietary nitrate from fruits and vegetables can increase in saliva, potentially benefiting oral health. This study found that nitrate in saliva may help reduce acidity, possibly protecting against tooth decay.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Oral Health
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Human oral cavities receive significant nitrate from diets rich in fruits and vegetables.
- Salivary nitrate concentrations can exceed drinking water standards, but its function is unclear.
- Oral microbial conversion of nitrate and nitrite impacts the oral environment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of oral microbial nitrate and/or nitrite reduction on salivary pH.
- To explore the ecological role of salivary nitrate in the oral environment.
Main Methods:
- Human saliva samples were incubated anaerobically with glucose and nitrate/nitrite.
- Measurements included pH and nitrate/nitrite consumption over time.
Main Results:
- Incubation with nitrate/nitrite and glucose resulted in higher salivary pH compared to controls.
- This suggests nitrate/nitrite repressed acid fermentation or increased alkali production.
- Salivary nitrate appears to reduce oral acidity.
Conclusions:
- Salivary nitrate may act as an ecological factor in reducing oral acidity.
- Further research is needed to explore the potential protective relationship between salivary nitrate and tooth decay prevention.
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