A study of the possible correlation of high salivary calcium levels with periodontal and dental conditions in young adults

Abstract

The periodontal bone level and the number of erupted and intact teeth were assessed from the X-rays of 46 dental students (mean age 24.2 yr). Paraffin-stimulated whole saliva was collected in a standardized way and the salivary flow-rate was measured. The salivary concentration of calcium was analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to the salivary Ca level. Subjects with salivary Ca levels over the mean value (51.03 micrograms/ml) were included in the 'high salivary Ca group' (n = 20). Age- and sex-matched pairs showing Ca levels below the mean formed the 'low salivary Ca group' (n = 26). The results show that subjects in the high salivary Ca-group had significantly more intact teeth than their pairs in the low salivary Ca group (p less than 0.025). There was no difference in the total number of teeth present nor in the salivary flow rate. No periodontal breakdown could be detected in any of the X-rays. It seems that in young adults high salivary Ca content can be correlated with good dental health but not with periodontal bone destruction.