Relationship between Salivary Alpha-Amylase Enzyme Activity, Anthropometric Indices, Dietary Habits, and Early Childhood Dental Caries

Abstract

Objectives. Although early childhood dental caries (ECC) have the same general etiology as other types of caries, predisposing factors are not well elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the effect of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) activity, body mass index (BMI), dietary habits, and oral hygiene on ECC. Methods. This cross-sectional study was performed on 38 ECC-affected and 41 caries-free children, aged 36 to 72 months. Upon the parents’ consent, 3 mL of non-stimulated saliva was collected from the participants to measure the level of sAA activity through spectrophotometry. Additionally, parents/caretakers completed a structured questionnaire about demographic factors, oral hygiene, and consumption of sugar-containing foods. BMI, BMI z-scores, and percentile data were calculated by using an online calculator. The independent variables were dichotomized and tested through chi-square test, followed by a stepwise logistic regression, by using SPSS software (α = 0.05). Results. The sAA activity was significantly higher in caries-free children ( P ≤ 0.001 ). However, the mean BMI was not significantly different between the two groups ( P = 0.49 ). Brushing and other measured dietary habits were significantly associated with the development of ECC ( P ≤ 0.001 ). According to the results of the logistic regression, sAA activity was shown to be a predictor for ECC development (Odds ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.9 (0.95–0.98)). Conclusion. Children with inherently lower levels of sAA activity were more susceptible to dental caries. Improper nutritional habits and poor oral health care could exacerbate the risk of ECC.

Proteomic profile of the acquired enamel pellicle of children with early childhood caries and caries‐free children

“…It is also interesting to note that proteins such as alpha-amylase 1 and alpha-amylase 2B, related to carbohydrate metabolism [40], were found in higher amounts in the caries-free group. This is in-line with a recent study showing that the activity of salivary alpha-amylase is higher in caries-free children, suggesting that salivary alpha-amylase could be a predictor for ECC development [41]. The same could be the case for the alpha-amylase levels in the acquired enamel pellicle, which should be investigated in future studies.…”

Host–Guest Mechanism via Induced Fit Fullerene Complexation in Porphin Receptor to Probe Salivary Alpha-Amylase in Dental Caries for Clinical Applications

“…Therefore, the changes in the concentration or biochemical activity of salivary α-amylase can be used as a bioindicator for the monitoring of early diagnosis of dental caries. 22 The enzyme activity assays are the most commonly employed methods for α-amylase detection from various body fluids. Besides, various immunoassays, 23 electro-chemical assays, 24,25 and colorimetric assays 26 have been advanced for its detection.…”

“…On the other hand, it is anticipated that amylase binding to streptococci stimulates bacterial clearance and nutrition. Therefore, the changes in the concentration or biochemical activity of salivary α-amylase can be used as a bioindicator for the monitoring of early diagnosis of dental caries . The enzyme activity assays are the most commonly employed methods for α-amylase detection from various body fluids.…”