Does the chemistry in the saliva of Down syndrome children explain their low caries prevalence?

OBJECTIVE

The present study focuses on the relationship between dental caries and saliva components such as phosphate, calcium, potassium, chloride as well as α-amylase in children with Down syndrome.

METHODS

Forty-five Caucasian sibling pairs, with the mean age of 13±4 years compose the final sample. Stimulated whole saliva was collected from DS children and their siblings and an automatic analyser quantified the biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Down syndrome children presented lower caries rates. The salivary concentration of calcium, phosphate, potassium and chloride did not differ between DS and sibling children. In respect to α-amylases, the absolute salivary concentration as well as salivary secretion rate was similar between DS and sibling controls.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, no correlation between dental caries and salivary ionic composition as well as α-amylase secretion rate was found in DS children.