Comparative evaluation of salivary malondialdehyde levels as a marker of lipid peroxidation in early childhood caries

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between lipid peroxidation and dental caries in children with ECC by estimating the levels of MDA in saliva of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children were selected; 75 children with ECC and 75 children without caries (non-ECC). Saliva samples were collected and centrifuged at 12,000 rpm for 24 min at 4°C to obtain a supernatant. MDA levels were estimated by Buege and Aust method by using thiobarbituric acid. The data obtained were analyzed by Student's t-test to compare MDA levels between the groups. RESULTS: MDA levels were higher in children with ECC. There was no statistically significant difference between children with ECC and without ECC (non-ECC). CONCLUSION: MDA levels were slightly higher in children with ECC, indicating the role of lipid peroxidation in the carious process.