Salivary characteristics and dental caries experience in remote Indigenous children in Australia: a cross-sectional study

Salivary characteristics and dental caries experience in remote Indigenous children in Australia: a cross-sectional study Journal Article

BMC Oral Health

• Author(s): Lalloo, R., Tadakamadla, S. K., Kroon, J., Tut, O., Kularatna, S., Boase, R., Kapellas, K., Gilchrist, D., Cobbledick, E., Rogers, J., Johnson, N. W.
• Published: 2019
• Volume: 19
• ISBN: 1472-6831

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Abstract: While associations between salivary characteristics and dental caries have been well studied, we are not aware of this being assessed in a remote Indigenous child population, where lifestyles may be different from urban children. Our aim was to assess associations between caries experience and putative biomarkers in saliva, accounting for oral hygiene and dietary habits. As with studies in other populations, childhood salivary counts of MS and LB were significantly associated with greater caries experience in this remote Indigenous community. To address the serious burden of oral disease, we are researching ways to promote a healthy oral environment by encouraging good dietary habits, and emphasising the importance of daily tooth brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste. Our ongoing longitudinal studies will indicate the success of measures employed to reduce the counts of bacteria closely associated with cariogenesis and their impact on caries increment.

• Urls: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-018-0692-2
• Keywords: Dental caries, Saliva, Bacteria, Children, Fluoridation, Remote, Indigenous, Australia