SALIVARY ELECTROLYTE AS A BIOMARKER IN CARIES ACTIVE TYPE II DIABETES - A COMPARATIVE STUDY

Abstract

Background: Diabetes Mellitus and dental caries association has been determined successfully but the electrolyte imbalance responsible is still under investigation.Aims: This study aims to evaluate the salivary electrolyte concentration in non-diabetic and diabetic patients with active dental caries.Methods and Material: 60 diabetic individuals with active dental caries were selected fulfilling the inclusion criteria as the study group with equal number as controls. 5ml of saliva was collected from the patient, centrifuged and the supernatant obtained was subjected to subsequent analysis for Na+, K+ and Cl- ions concentration in saliva.Statistical analysis: The intergroup comparison correlating the salivary electrolyte concentration was done using student't' test. A 'p' value of 0.05 or less was considered significant. Results are presented as mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD).Results: The mean value of sodium, potassium and chloride ions in diabetic patients was 0.97+ 0.14, 10.40±0.9 and 135.4±3.67 respectively (p<0.05). However, in non-diabetics it was 0.23±0.07, 6.87±1.86 and 96.24±4.85 respectively (p<0.05).Conclusions: From our study it is evident that salivary levels of electrolytes show a positive relationship between diabetics and nondiabetics with active dental caries. However, a longitudinal data might help in better understanding of this association.