Prevalence of dental caries among coronavirus disease 2019-recovered patients and correlation with salivary total antioxidant capacity in Kalaburagi region of Indian subpopulation

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has vastly affected mankind worldwide, and its long-term effect on oral health needs to be studied. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and its correlation with salivary total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in Kalaburagi region of the Indian subpopulation. Methods: About 80 subjects (16–55 years) were included in the study based on selection criteria and were divided into two groups (n = 40). Group 1: no history of COVID-19 infection and Group 2: COVID-19-recovered subjects. Each group was subdivided into two subgroups (n = 20) A and B with and without dental caries. Dental caries was assessed using the decay, missing, filled, treatment (DMFT) index by the World Health Organization. About 5 ml of unstimulated saliva samples was collected and centrifuged at 2000 rpm for 10 min, and the supernatants were collected. Salivary TAC was estimated using 2,2′-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic] acid assay and observed under spectrophotometer (734 nm). Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using the Shapiro–Wilk test for normality distribution followed by one-way analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey test (P < 0.05). Results: COVID-19-recovered subjects showed a higher prevalence of dental caries and lower TAC levels than non-COVID-19 subjects. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of dental caries with lower levels of salivary TAC was found in COVID-19-recovered individuals.