Perspectives on studying the biophysical values of oral fluid in patients with different conditions of the cervical area of the teeth

Abstract

In press

Background. The properties of Oral Fluid (OF) directly affect dental pathology development, but their role has not been fully studied yet.

Aim. Identification and analysis of biophysical values of oral fluid in patients with different conditions of the cervical area of teeth.

Materials and Methods. The study enrolled 272 patients aged 18–44 years who underwent a comprehensive examination and were divided into groups based on the condition of the Cervical Area (CA) of the teeth. Biophysical values of the OF were identified. The Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was used to analyze the strength of correlation between factors and the outcome. Risk Factors (RF) were identified using logistic regression analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 8.0 (Statsoft, USA). The study was conducted within the framework of the dissertation research "Clinical and pathogenetic substantiation of a differentiated approach to the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of cervical lesions of hard dental tissues" (2021–2024).

Research Ethics. The research was carried out in accordance with the principles of World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki (1964–2024), Order of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine No. 690 dated September 23, 2009, conclusion of the Bioethics Commission of Donetsk National Medical University No. 43 dated January 21, 2021. All patients provided written informed consent to participate in the study.

Results. Saliva of patients with cervical lesions of teeth (Wedge-Shaped Defect (WSD) and Cervical Caries (CC)) corresponded to significantly lower mean values of electrical impedance (Z) and Coefficient Of Dispersion (COD) compared to patients with intact CA of teeth (p<0.01). The liquid crystal phase of OF in patients with WSD and CC of teeth was unstable, with low micellarity and weakened mineralizing function. More significant changes were typical for saliva of patients with WSD of the teeth. Salivary Flow Rate (SFR) less than 0.5 ml/min increased OR of developing WSD and CC: in univariate analysis, 2.12 and 2.26 times, respectively; in multivariate analysis, 1.23 and 2.17 times, respectively. Values of buffer capacity less than 6.5 increased OR of developing CC: in univariate analysis, 2.34 times, in multivariate analysis, 1.30 times. The pH values less than 6.9 increased OR of developing WSD and enamel E: in univariate analysis, 1.50 and 2.90 times, respectively; in multivariate analysis – 1.48 and 1.22 times, respectively, and they were also an independent factor of the active course of enamel E. However, in the case of enamel E, wide CIs for the variable, determined in univariate analysis, indicate instability of the assessment.

Conclusions. Values of SFR, buffer capacity, and pH can be considered as RF of developing WSD and CC. The pH values as predictors of development and active course of enamel Е require further research. An alternative to the mineralizing potential of saliva is proposed – identification of Z and COD.

Keywords: dentistry, erosion, caries, risk factors.