Analysis of Buffer Value of Bicarbonate In Saliva

Saliva has a buffer capacity which neutralizes acids in the mouth. The buffer capacity of human saliva is regulated by 3 buffer systems: the carbonic acid/bicarbonate system, the phosphate system, and the proteins. In nonstimulated saliva, the concentration of inorganic phosphate is rather high, while the concentration of carbonic acid/bicarbonate system is low. Carbonic acid/bicarbonate system is the most important buffer in stimulated saliva due to its higher concentration. The aim of this study was to determine salivary bicarbonates levels in patients with different degree of caries activity. We examined 60 children of both sexes, 16 years of age, which were divided in 2 groups according to the condition of the teeth, i.e. the DMFT index: the first group consisted of 30 examinees with very low caries index (0-3), and the second group consisted of 30 examinees with high value degree of ca ries (>10). Concentration of salivary bicarbonates was determined with the enzyme method of continuous measuring (“Cobas Mira” Roche Diagnostic Systems), within different periods: 5, 30, 60 and 120 min. after consuming the meal, as well as before consuming the meals basic values. The results refer to close connection between the concentrations of the salivary bicarbonates with the occurrence of dental caries. The concentration of the salivary bicarbonates were remarkably higher (p < 0.01) in examinees with lower DMFTindex, compared with the examinees with higher values of DMFT. This refers to the basic values as well as to the values of the bicarbonates in stimulated saliva. The obtained results confirm the importance of the buffer capacity role of the salivary bicarbonates within the oral media and may serve as parameters for determining the caries risk; according to that, we can plan and take appropriate caries-preventive measures.