Comparative Assessment of Salivary pH as a Diagnostic Marker in Dental Caries and Chronic Periodontitis

Background: Saliva contains various host defining factors. It influences calculus formation leading to periodontal diseases and also plays and important role in caries development. Saliva provides an easily accessible, non-invasive diagnostic marker for a rapidly widening range of diseases and clinical situations.

Aims and Objective: To assess and determine the role of salivary pH in Dental Caries and Chronic Periodontitis.

Materials and Methods: The study population consisted of 60 patients who were divided into three groups of 20 patients each: Group A with clinically healthy gingiva, Group B with Dental Caries and Group C with Chronic Periodontitis. Fasting unstimulated whole saliva from each patient was collected; pH was evaluated using pH meter. Data were analysed statistically using analysis of variance technique.

Results: The results of the study showed that when compared to control group (group A) (6.76±0.13), salivary pH of Dental Caries group (group B) (6.08±0.12) and Chronic Periodontitis group (group C) (6.61±0.16) were more acidic. Nonetheless when salivary pH of Dental Caries group is compared to that of Chronic Periodontitis group it was more alkaline for Chronic Periodontitis group.

Conclusion: The result of the study showed that salivary pH was more acidic in caries and periodontitis group compared to healthy group which signifies that the salivary pH can be used as an essential tool for Dental Caries and Chronic Periodontitis assessment.