Salivary Changes with the age and their effect on plaque related disease

Abstract

Background: Saliva is an exocrine clear oral fluid predominantly secreted by salivary glands both major and minor. It consists of many constituents, mainly water and others are electrolytes, enzymes, immunoglobulins and other antimicrobial factors.Saliva plays an important role in the oral health, the level of its components change with age, and that has direct effect on teeth and periodontal tissue, because saliva plays a critical role in the development of dental caries and periodontal diseases.The objective of this study to estimate salivary changes by investigation the level of alpha-amylase and MMP-8 enzymes, sIgA, and salivary minerals (Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus) in relation to age. Materials and Methods:Ninety persons were chosen from different age groups (60) males and (30) females, the age ranged between 20 up to 50, and divided into three subgroups.ELISA technique was used to evaluate the level of salivary alpha-amylase, MMP-8, and sIgA. Salivary electrolytes were evaluated according to their kits. Results:Results showed that the level of sIgA significantly decreased with the age, salivary alpha -amylase decreased with the age but not significant statistically, and MMP-8 increased with age but not significant statistically. Regarding salivary minerals (Ca, P, and Mg) results showed that calcium and magnesium levels significantly increased with age, while phosphorus level increased with age also but not significant statistically. Conclusion:Decrease in the level of sIgA and alpha-amylase with age, while increase in the level of MMP-8 and salivary minerals (Ca, P and Mg) with age, may indicate decrease in the incidence of dental caries and increase in the incidence of periodontal disease with age.

Effect of Some Demographic Changes on Some Oral Immune Aspects in Periodontal Disease Patients

“…Moreover, [36] discovered that smoking has no effect on salivary IL-1 and IL-6 concentrations. [37] indicated that the concentration of α-amylase decreases with age, although the difference is not significant. However, the mean salivary α-amylase level did not differ substantially between males and females [38].…”