Lithium Content, Buffering Capacity and Flow Rate of Saliva and Caries Experience of Australian Children

The flow rate, buffering capacity and Li content of stimulated mixed saliva were determined for 77 schoolchildren (mean age ± SD: 10.7 ± 0.8 years) whose DIMFT scores ranged from 0 to 15 (mean ± SD: 4.2 ± 2.8). The Li content of saliva was inversely related to flow rate and buffering capacity, whereas flow rate and buffering capacity were directly associated. Significant inverse associations were demonstrated between caries experience and the buffering capacity and Li content of saliva. It was concluded that the latter associations can be demonstrated in geographically distant communities of diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.