Sucrose-stimulated Salivary pH as an Adjunct to Caries Risk Assessment

BackgroundChild and maternal sucrose-stimulated salivary pH (SSS pH) levels have the potential to be associated with childhood caries. AimThis study investigated the relationships among child and maternal SSS pH and child caries diagnosis, severity, and risk. DesignSSS pH levels were measured from 202 pediatric subjects and 175 mothers. Early childhood caries (ECC) and severe ECC (SECC) diagnoses, caries risk assessment (CRA) results, and caries severity scores were recorded. The associations between child and maternal SSS pH and childrens caries risk, diagnosis, and severity were respectively assessed using regression models. ResultsChildren with SSS pH [≤]5.6 had higher odds to be diagnosed with ECC or SECC (aOR=7.27), and higher odds to present with moderate to extensive caries severity (aOR=5.63). Child SSS pH was associated with multiple risk factors on a CRA. When child SSS pH was adjusted for age, gender, and race/ethnicity as a predictor for SECC and ECC, the sensitivity and specificity estimates increased. Maternal and child SSS pH were positively associated. ConclusionsDentists should consider the use of childrens SSS pH as an inexpensive adjunct to the CRA and know that maternal and child SSS pH are significantly associated.