Does the chemistry in the saliva of Down syndrome children explain their low caries prevalence?

ABSTRACT

AIM: The present study focuses on the relationship between dental caries and saliva components such as phosphate, calcium, potassium, chloride as well as α-amylase in children with Down syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five Caucasian sibling pairs, with the mean age of 13±4 years compose the final sample. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from DS children and their siblings and an automatic analyser quantified the biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Down syndrome children presented lower caries rates. The salivary concentration of calcium, phosphate, potassium and chloride did not differ between DS and sibling children. In respect to α-amylases, the absolute salivary concentration as well as salivary secretion rate was similar between DS and sibling controls. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, no correlation between dental caries and salivary ionic composition as well as α-amylase secretion rate was found in DS children.