Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) is the major pathogen involved in caries development during the first few years of life. Prebiotics represent a breakthrough approach to maintaining oral health by utilizing naturally beneficial bacteria against harmful bacteria.
Aim: To assess the effects of prebiotics supplements on salivary pH and salivary buffer capacity in children with early childhood caries (ECC).
Materials and methods: This study was performed on 23 samples, aged 3-6 years who received prebiotics supplements for 14 days, followed up to 3 and 6 months. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected to assess salivary pH and salivary buffer capacity using salivary check buffer kit.
Statistical analysis used: The data showed normal distribution; hence, parametric tests were applied. Repeated measures of analysis of variance were applied to compare the mean at the three different time intervals, followed by paired t-test for pairwise comparison.
Results: There was a highly significant difference on comparing the different parameters. Salivary pH was lowest at baseline with a mean value of 6.65 which increased at the 3-6-month follow-up to 7.00 and 7.33. Similarly, salivary buffer capacity which was 4.73 at baseline, increased at 3 months to 8.17, and at 6 months to 10.34.
Conclusion: It can be suggested that prebiotics supplements can be adopted as a novel approach in children with ECC as a form of preventive measure to facilitate a better lifestyle.
Clinical significance: These prebiotics when taken for a period of 2 weeks increased the salivary pH as well as salivary buffer capacity when the data was compared at different time intervals emphasizing its importance, especially in children with ECC.
How to cite this article: Fernandes VA, Mata DB, Nadig B, et al. Effect of Prebiotics Supplements on Salivary pH and Salivary Buffer Capacity in Children with Early Childhood Caries: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):54-58.
Keywords: Early childhood caries; Prebiotics; Pretest–posttest design; Salivary buffer capacity; Salivary pH.
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