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Saliva profiles in children using heart failure medication: a pilot study

L Rosén1, A Rydberg, I Sjöström

  • 1Paediatric Dentistry, Department of Odontology, Faculty of Medicine, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden. Linda.rosen@odont.umu.se

European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry : Official Journal of the European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry
|September 16, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Children with severe heart disease on heart failure medication showed reduced salivary secretion, a potential risk factor for cavities. This study compared saliva profiles in these children to healthy controls.

Area of Science:

  • Oral health research
  • Pediatric cardiology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Children with severe heart disease often take heart failure medication.
  • Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health.
  • Medications can potentially alter physiological parameters, including saliva composition.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate and compare saliva profiles in children with severe heart disease on heart failure medication versus healthy controls.
  • To identify potential salivary biomarkers associated with heart failure in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional case-control study design was employed.
  • Twenty-four pairs of age and gender-matched children participated.
  • Stimulated saliva was collected, and parameters such as secretion rate, buffering capacity, bacterial counts, and ion concentrations were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Children in the cardiac group exhibited significantly lower salivary secretion rates compared to controls (p<0.01).
  • Total viable bacterial counts were lower in the cardiac group (p<0.05).
  • While not statistically significant, trends suggested differences in Mutans streptococci levels and ratios.

Conclusions:

  • Reduced salivary secretion may represent a caries risk factor in children undergoing treatment for heart failure.
  • Further research is warranted to explore the long-term oral health implications and management strategies.
Abstract

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