Assessment of oxidative stress in saliva of children with dental erosion

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate oxidative stress in saliva of children with dental erosion as compared to children with no erosion. METHODS: One single examiner, trained and prepared to make diagnosis of dental erosion according to the Basic Erosive Wear Examination index, selected 40 children aged 4 to 6 years, who attended a pediatric dentistry prevention clinic. Two groups were formed - one comprising children with dental erosion (n=22), and another with no dental erosion (n=18). The quantity of dental biofilm was verified using the Simplified Index of Oral Hygiene, and unstimulated saliva was collected for biochemical analyses. The following were assessed in saliva: flow rate, buffering capacity, pH, and total protein concentration. Malondialdehyde levels were also verified to determine oxidative stress and total antioxidant status. RESULTS: The quantity of biofilm was smaller in children with mean dental erosion±standard deviation (0.76±0.25), as compared to those with no dental erosion (1.18±0.28). There was no statistical difference in saliva parameters of oxidative stress in children with dental erosion. CONCLUSION: The activity of oxidative stress in saliva did not influence dental erosion process when in its early stages.