Estimation of Copper Levels in Saliva and Its Relation to Dental Caries and Hemoglobin Levels

A very small quantity of trace elements will be present in saliva. Salivary composition influences caries inhibition and promotion based on the different organic, inorganic, and trace elements.

To evaluate the levels of copper in saliva in children with caries-active and caries-free group and to associate copper levels of saliva with hemoglobin (Hb) levels of blood.

Sixty subjects between the ages of 6 and 14 years were divided into group I-caries-free and group II-caries-active. The caries-active group was further subdivided into group IIa (deft/DMFT < 3) and group IIb (deft/DMFT > 3). To maintain the uniformity of salivary composition, unstimulated saliva (5 mL) was collected in noontime before food from all the participants. The copper levels were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Hemoglobin levels in the blood and their relation with copper levels in saliva were estimated.

The results thus obtained were analyzed by t-test and Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. It was considered significant if the "p" value is 0.05 or less.

Copper levels were higher in group II showing statistically highly significant results compared with that of group I with p ≤ 0.00001. The results were no significant with respect to Hb scores among the groups.

A definite positive correlation is seen with dental caries and levels of copper in saliva. Hence, the amount of copper in saliva can be considered as a caries risk assessment tool.

Reddy VR, Devakar S, Chowdhary N, et al. Estimation of Copper Levels in Saliva and Its Relation to Dental Caries and Hemoglobin Levels. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):235-237.