Comparative Assessment of Salivary Flow Rate, Buffering Capacity, Resting pH and Dental Caries Status in Children Undergoing Chemotherapy

Aim: The aim of the present study was to compare the salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and resting pH in children undergoing chemotherapy with healthy children and their association with dental caries. Methods: A total of 100 children were included in the study, study group consisted of 50 pre and post-chemotherapy cases reported at Kidwai Institute of oncology Bangalore and control group consisted of 50 healthy children who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive dentistry, V S dental college for a routine dental check-up. Ethical clearance and signed written informed consent were obtained from both the Institutional ethical committee and parents/guardians of the children. Salivary parameters like flow rate, buffering capacity and resting pH was measured using Saliva-check Buffer kit (GC Europe). Clinical assessment was carried out using DMFT and dmft index by WHO criteria 1997. Results: Salivary flow rate, buffering capacity and resting pH was lower in children post-chemotherapy when compared to that of children before chemotherapy and healthy children, the results were statistically significant. There was a positive correlation between salivary parameters and dental caries. Conclusion: In the present study reduced salivary flow rate, low buffering capacity and reduced resting pH has been observed in children undergoing chemotherapy, which could be the causative factors for the increased incidence of dental caries in these children.