Salivary Oxidative Stress Markers’ Relation to Oral Diseases in Children and Adolescents

Abstract

(1) Background: Current evidence suggests that salivary markers of oxidative stress are indicative of clinical disease indices such as the papillary bleeding index (PBI) and the caries index (CI). The aim of this study was to assess the relation of oxidative stress markers with oral dental caries and periodontal problems in a pediatric population. (2) Methods: In this case-control study, unstimulated whole saliva was collected from individuals aged 3–18 years (n = 177); 14 individuals were excluded. Study subjects were divided into those with caries (CI = 2, n = 78) and those who were caries-free (n = 85). These groups were then divided into another subset consisting of children (mean age 7.3 years, n = 121) and adolescents (mean age 16.1 years, n = 42). The PBI was determined in all groups. We then assessed salivary levels of oxidative stress markers. (3) Results: Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level increased in patients with more gingival bleeding (p < 0.05) in the study group aged 3–18 years. In addition, TAC showed a significant decrease in samples with caries when compared to the caries-free group in adolescents (p = 0.008). (4) Conclusions: TAC levels may be a marker of both gingival bleeding and dental caries in young adult populations. We hope that in the near future, prophylaxis, control, follow up and even possible therapeutic use of oxidative stress markers in a chairside way will become possible as antioxidants have been shown to be effective against oral diseases.

Salivary protein carbonyl and selected antioxidants in relation to dental caries among pregnant women

“…However, it was found that salivary antioxidants perform a preventative function in the process of caries through inhibiting the inflammatory response occurs within dentine due to reactive oxygen species (ROSs) and high sucrose diet (26). Another possible explanation is that the oxidation of proteins in both enamel and dentine by reactive oxygen species might weaken the tooth structure thereby increasing the susceptibility to dental caries (27).…”

Emerging polymeric materials for treatment of oral diseases: design strategy towards a unique oral environment

“…ROS not only eliminate pathogens through oxidative reactions, but also promote the exacerbation of inflammation, leading to cell damage and apoptosis. 258,259 This imbalance in ROS levels can easily lead to the occurrence and exacerbation of oral diseases. Therefore, regulating ROS levels to a normal state has become a focus in the treatment of oral diseases.…”

The Emerging Role of Salivary Oxidative Stress Biomarkers as Prognostic Markers of Periodontitis: New Insights for a Personalized Approach in Dentistry

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