Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the levels of salivary IgA, amylase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme before and after comprehensive dental treatment in children with early childhood caries. DESIGN: Thirty children aged 36-60 months, with a deft score ≥5, were selected for the study. Before dental treatment, paraffin-stimulated whole saliva was collected in a sterile graduated cup for a period of 5 min. The saliva samples were quantitatively analyzed for levels of IgA, amylase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comprehensive dental treatment was carried out in all the children including caries preventive procedures. A second sample of saliva was collected at 3 months following completion of dental treatment. Data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis using Student's t-test. RESULTS: The mean levels of salivary IgA was significantly reduced from 59.60 μg/ml to 56.42 μg/ml after dental treatment (P < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in the levels of salivary amylase from 115.78 μg/ml to 113.33 μg/ml (P < 0.001). Following dental treatment, salivary lactoferrin and lysozyme levels were significantly reduced from 3.76 μg/ml and 10.62 μg/ml to 3.44 μg/ml and 10.27 μg/ml, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of salivary IgA, amylase, lactoferrin, and lysozyme were reduced significantly at 3 months following comprehensive dental treatment.