Elsevier

Archives of Oral Biology

Volume 43, Issue 2, 6 April 1998, Pages 151-156
Archives of Oral Biology

Short communication
Stimulated salivary flow rate and composition in asthmatic and non-asthmatic adults

https://doi.org/10.1016/S0003-9969(97)00110-6Get rights and content

Abstract

The number of decayed, missed and filled permanent teeth (DMFT), the degree of periodontal inflammation (Periodontal Status Index, PSI), stimulated salivary flow rate and the concentrations of total protein, lactoferrin, lysozyme, myeloperoxidase, salivary peroxidase, calcium, potassium, sodium and thiocyanate in whole saliva of 26 adult asthma patients were compared with those of 33 non-asthmatic controls. The saliva was also analysed for mutans streptococci, lactobacilli, total anaerobic flora and Candida spp. The mean PSI (p<0.05; 95% confidence interval for the difference between means (95% CI) 2.47–25.30) was higher and the mean stimulated salivary flow rate (p≤0.05; 95% CI 0.57−0.55) was lower in the asthmatic group than in the control group. No differences were found between the groups in non-immune defence factors, except for myeloperoxidase. The myeloperoxidase concentrations were higher in asthmatics than in non-asthmatics (p<0.05; 95% CI 4.4–134.0 ng/ml). No differences in microbial counts were found. It was concluded that stimulated salivary flow rates decrease while myeloperoxidase concentrations increase in adult asthmatic patients compared with non-asthmatic adults. The higher concentrations of myeloperoxidase are explained by a higher PSI in asthmatics.

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Acknowledgements

This study was supported by grants from the Finnish Dental Society.

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