Effect of Diet Modification on Salivary Parameters and Oratest in High-caries-risk Individuals

AIM: This study was aimed to assess the salivary parameters and caries activity test (Oratest) in high-caries-risk individuals and effect of diet modification and parental education on salivary parameters and Oratest. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five children aged between 5 and 8 years and decayed, extracted due to caries, filled teeth (deft)/decayed, missing, filled teeth (DMFT) scores >5 were selected and evaluated for salivary parameters, such as hydration status of oral mucosa, resting pH, unstimulated salivary flow rate (USFR) and stimulated salivary flow rate (SSFR), buffering capacity of stimulated saliva (BCSS) before and after diet counseling using GC India Saliva Check Kit. Oratest was performed to assess the caries activity. Children’s parents were asked to record 5 to 7 days diet chart. Diet charts were collected and based on the evaluation of specific diet charts, diet counseling was provided. After 6 weeks, salivary parameters and Oratest were reevaluated. Baseline and postdiet counseling salivary parameters were subjected to statistical analysis using Student’s t-test (paired) and Wilcoxon signed rank test. RESULTS: From baseline to 6 weeks, USFR and SSFR were increased which were statistically significant. Buffering capacity and resting pH increased slightly but was not statistically significant. The reading of Oratest increased significantly, indicating a decreased caries activity in individuals. CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that diet counseling, parental education, and regular motivation can positively alter salivary parameters, such as USFR and SSFR. How to cite this article: Jain S, Bansal K, Marwaha M, Sehrawat N, Singla S. Effect of Diet Modification on Salivary Parameters and Oratest in High-caries-risk Individuals. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2018;11(1):34-39.