The relationship between the secretory IgA, pH and salivary flow rate with the occurrence of early childhood caries

Abstract Salivary secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) has immunological control over dental caries and presumably prevents the adherence of cariogenic microorganisms to the hard surfaces, relation between SIgA and dental caries still in controversy. This study aims to investigate the relationship of SIgA, salivary flow rate and pH with the occurrence of Early Childhood Caries (ECC). A total of 36 patients aged 2-5 years old were divided into 3 groups, according to their caries status (caries-free, ECC and Severe ECC). The subjects were selected based on inclusive and exclusive criteria needed. ECC and Severe ECC were diagnosed based on AAPD guidelines. Score of dmft was recorded. Unstimulated salivary flow rate and pH were measured. The samples were analyzed for determining the SIgA level. Mean value of IgA levels in ECC group (2404.6516 ng/mL ± 395.03208 ng/mL) was higher compared to other caries status group, although there was no significant relationship as the p-value is 0.404. Median values of salivary flow rate & salivary pH showed no significant difference between 3 caries status groups which p-value is 0.701 & 0.227 respectively. The result for this study showed higher level of secretory Immunoglobulin A (SIgA) in Early Childhood Caries (ECC) group although the result was not significant. Salivary flow rate and pH have not significant effects on the occurrence of ECC. However, the highest median value for flow rate and pH are seen in the Severe-ECC group. Clinical article (J Int Dent Med Res 2020; 13(4): 1455-1460)