129 - Salivary pH and the Correlation of Dental Caries in the Pediatric Patient

Abstract: The purpose is to determine if there is a correlation between salivary pH and the

presence of carious lesions in pediatric patients who are seen on a regular basis through the Pediatric

Quality Improvement recall system at St. Barnabas and associated clinics. Dental caries is one of the

most common diseases in the pediatric population and impacts not only dental health, but overall

health. For caries to develop, a susceptible host must be present, in addition to

cariogenic bacteria and a substrate over a period of time. Saliva contributes significantly to

preventing dental caries through its buffering capacity, flow rate, pH, and ability to remineralize tooth

structure

Throughout this project, Pediatric Quality Improvement recalls were utilized to evaluate

salivary pH of pediatric patients using pH strips. Presence of carious lesions was determined at

periodic examinations through clinical and radiographic examination. Salivary pH values were
compared between patients in addition to clinical and radiographic findings of caries to determine if
there is a correlation between the values determined and the presence of plaque, cariogenic bacteria,

oral hygiene and the presence of carious lesions. As the study followed multiple patients over a year

long period, pH was evaluated increases over this period to see if there was a difference once hygiene improved and all caries was treated.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: N/A