Author(s): Soham B, Srilatha KT and Seema D
Background, aims and objective
The protective function of saliva against dental caries achieved through its physico-chemical properties. The purpose of this comparative study was to estimate and to compare the pH of saliva before and after brushing and mouthrinsing with fluoridated toothpaste and Mouthwash.
Materials and method
40 study subjects were divided into two groups with 20 children each. Group A (combination of toothpaste and mouthrinse) and Group B (Toothpaste). Both the groups were told to perform oral hygiene practice and salivary pH estimation was done before and after brushing and mouthrinsing on day 1, 1st week, 2nd week, 3rd week and 4th week. The salivary pH was directly estimated using the digital pH meter calibrated using buffers of pH 4, 7 and 9. Intra group comparison was done by paired t test where as repeated measure ANOVA and Turkey’s test were used in intergroup comparison.
Results
Intra group comparison showed increase in mean salivary pH in both the groups and found to be statistically significant. In intergroup comparison showed increase in the mean difference in salivary pH in group A than Group-B and found to be statistically not significant.
Conclusion
The pH of saliva increases more after brushing and rinsing with fluoridated toothpaste and mouthrinse rather than toothpaste alone.
