Relación del pH salival con índice CPO-ceo en niños de 6-10 años, clínica odontológica UCSG.

Abstract

Introduction: Dental caries is the most common chronic disease in children and constitutes a public health problem. The DMFT/dmft index assesses caries prevalence according to the type of dentition. Saliva plays a key role in protecting against caries through its pH and flow rate, regulating the processes of enamel demineralization and remineralization. Objective: To determine the relationship between salivary pH and caries prevalence using the DMFT/dmft index in children aged 6 to 10 years attending the UCSG dental clinic. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, quantitative, and descriptive study. The sample consisted of 100 children who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from medical records and questionnaires. Salivary pH was measured using a pH meter, caries prevalence was recorded using the DMFT/dmft index, and salivary viscosity, simplified oral hygiene index, and tooth brushing frequency were evaluated. Results: The average salivary pH was 7.05, and the DMFT/dmft index was 6.5. A significant relationship was found between socioeconomic status and salivary pH, as well as between salivary viscosity and acid-base balance. Normal viscosity was associated with healthier salivary pH levels. Conclusion: The caries prevalence reflected in the DMFT/dmft index highlights the importance of monitoring salivary pH as a relevant indicator for the prevention and control of oral diseases in the pediatric population.