A Pilot Study on the Effect of Oral Dentifrice on Salivary Amylase

Saliva is an important body fluid which aids in digestion, in providing a first line of defense and has been recently identified as a repertoire of biomarkers. Salivary composition, hormone levels and enzyme activities are greatly influenced by physiology and well being of the individuals. Oral hygiene is generally maintained by the use of Oral dentifrice like toothpaste and mouthwash. These oral dentifrice which mainly provide antimicrobial property also have other added reagents whose role on saliva is not yet clear. Therefore, the current work deals with the study of, the effect of oral dentifrices on the activity of salivary amylase; one of the most abundant enzymes in the saliva. Several mouthwashes and toothpastes having natural or synthesized active ingredients were used in this work. Saliva samples of individuals were collected before and after use of the oral reagent and amylase activity pre and post rinse was measured by DNS method. Our results have shown that Himalaya, Colgate total, Himalaya sparkling white toothpastes decrease amylase activity where as Pepsodent, Colgate visible white increase salivary amylase activity. In the case of mouthwash use of Listerine, Freshclor, Hiora increases the amylase activity. These results indicate that oral dentifrices influence the salivary amylase activity. This is a pilot study which can be extended to a bigger sample size and can include more dentifrices to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effect of various oral reagents on salivary constituents.