pH Values and Mineral Content of Saliva in Different Breeds of Dogs

Lavy, E. 244 INTRODUCTION Dental disorders as gingivitis, periodontal diseases and calculus formation are prevalent among dogs regardless of their breed, as they are common in human. Gingivitis and periodontitis are prevalent in 82% of dogs aged 6 to 8 years of age and in 96% of dogs aged 12 to 14 years (1, 2). The incidence of dental disorders increases with age (3). Similarly, in humans, the incidence of dental disorders is high; caries are prevalent in children while gingivitis and periodontal diseases is more frequently observed in the elderly population. Teeth are composed of mineralized tissue, but unlike other similar organs in animals or humans they must be able to withstand chemical as well as physical traumas. The major chemical threat for teeth is demineralization due to low pH resulting from bacterial metabolism and acidic food (4). The natural means of both animals and humans to counter these harmful effects is by bathing the teeth in saliva which is constantly replenished. Calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) are of the most abundant elements in saliva (4). Both elements are important in the remineralization process. Ca and P in saliva are sparingly soluble in water, however saliva may be supersaturated with those minerals with respect to the elements which comprise the tooth. At pH values lower than neutral, the levels of Ca and P in saliva are not supersaturated with respect to hydroxyapatite (4). At neutral or alkaline pH values, saliva is supersaturated with Ca and P with respect to both hydroxyapatite and other biological apatites. Conversely, if the pH changes to more alkaline values, the degree of saturation with respect to tooth mineral increases and eventually the Ca and the P in solution becomes unstable pH Values and Mineral Content of Saliva in Different Breeds of Dogs