Estimation of salivary cortisol in children with rampant caries

Abstract

Dental profession is largely challenged with rampant caries and probable predisposing factors for the same have been evaluated for ages. There is considerable evidence that emotional disturbances may be a causative factor in some cases of rampant caries. Thus the objective of the present study was to estimate the levels of salivary cortisol in children with active rampant caries before and after caries control using electrochemiluminescence assay. A total of 60 children between the age group of 5 to 10 years of both sexes were selected for the study. A questionnaire was also included to evaluate predisposing factors for caries. The results showed that there was an increase in salivary cortisol levels in children with rampant caries, the level decreased gradually when observed for a period of three months following dental treatment which was statistically significant.