Comparison between Serum and Salivary Albumin and Calcium Levels in Adolescent Age-group with Dental Caries

The aim of our pilot study is to analyze the relationship between dental caries and albumin and calcium levels in serum and saliva in adolescent patients with varying caries experience as determined by their caries progression between the age-group of 9 and 19 years.

A total of 20 subjects were selected based on their level of caries progression and divided into four groups of subjects, five in each as follows: group I-enamel caries, group II-dentinal caries, group III-pulpal caries, and group IV-control group. The saliva and serum were collected under standardized conditions from selected patients and analyzed for the presence of albumin and calcium, and then they were correlated to the same level in serum. The statistical analysis was done using the Chi-squared test.

According to the present study, there is an increase in the levels of caries with a decrease in the levels of salivary albumin and calcium. Serum albumin and calcium levels were also found to be decreased in caries-prone individuals; hence, a significant correlation between serum and salivary albumin and calcium levels was found.

According to a review of the literature, we found an inverse relationship between the levels of albumin and calcium in serum and saliva with dental caries patients. So, it confirms the importance of albumin and calcium levels in inhibiting carrier progression. So it may be used as a biochemical indicator to evaluate the susceptibility of caries.

Vaish S, Gautam K, Agrawal D, et al. Comparison between Serum and Salivary Albumin and Calcium Levels in Adolescent Age-group with Dental Caries. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):328-333.