Investigate the relationship between salivary characteristics and SECC

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 106 views

Comparison of Salivary Characteristics in Children Under 2 Years Between Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC) and Caries-Free in Medan Selayang District

Introduction

Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC) is a condition of dental infections that affects children, particularly those with poor oral hygiene. Maintaining the health of the oral cavity is crucial, and one important factor is saliva. This study aims to compare the characteristics of saliva between children under 2 years old who experience SECC and those who are free from caries in Medan Selayang District.

Background

SECC is a significant public health concern, affecting millions of children worldwide. The condition is characterized by the presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child under the age of 6 years. The etiology of SECC is multifactorial, including poor oral hygiene, dietary habits, and genetic predisposition. Saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids, remineralizing teeth, and preventing the adhesion of bacteria to tooth surfaces.

Methodology

This study employed a cross-sectional approach, with a sample consisting of 60 children, divided into two groups: 30 children with SECC and 30 caries-free children. Salivary specimens were collected using the suction method, followed by measurement of several important parameters, including pH, buffer capacity, flow rate, and salivary volume, using the GC Saliva Kit.

Research Results

The results showed a striking difference between the two groups. The average pH of saliva in children with SECC was recorded at 5.86 ± 0.51, while in caries-free children, it was 7.02 ± 0.39. This indicates that the oral environment of children with SECC tends to be more acidic, which can worsen the condition of the teeth.

In terms of buffer capacity, children with SECC showed an average value of 4.93 ± 1.38, while caries-free children had a higher buffer capacity of 9.30 ± 1.23. Low buffer capacity in children with SECC can contribute to the inability of the oral cavity to neutralize acids, thereby increasing the risk of tooth decay.

The flow rate of saliva in children with SECC was significantly lower, with an average of 0.37 ± 0.12, compared to 0.80 ± 0.21 in caries-free children. Decreased salivary flow rate can affect the body's ability to eliminate food and bacteria from the oral cavity.

Finally, for salivary volume, children with SECC were recorded to have an average of 0.74 ± 0.24, compared to 1.60 ± 0.43 in caries-free children. This lower salivary volume can affect dental health, considering that saliva plays an important role in the protection of teeth and prevention of bacteria.

Conclusion

The t-test results indicated a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the average value of the four salivary characteristics between children with SECC and caries-free children. The conclusion of this study shows that the characteristics of saliva in children with SECC are at a lower level compared to children who do not experience caries.

Implications

This study provides an important insight into the relationship between children's dental health and their salivary characteristics, emphasizing the importance of maintaining oral hygiene to prevent SECC in children. With a better understanding of these factors, parents and caregivers can be more alert and proactive in maintaining the health of their children's teeth.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Oral hygiene practices: Parents and caregivers should emphasize the importance of regular brushing and flossing to prevent the accumulation of bacteria and food particles in the oral cavity.
Dietary habits: A balanced diet that is low in sugar and acid can help prevent the development of SECC.
Saliva stimulation: Parents and caregivers can stimulate saliva production by encouraging children to chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy.
Regular dental check-ups: Regular dental check-ups can help identify early signs of SECC and prevent the condition from progressing.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Sample size: The sample size was relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Selection bias: The study may have been subject to selection bias, as the sample was selected from a specific population.
Measurement error: The measurement of salivary characteristics may have been subject to error.

Future Directions

Future studies should aim to:

Investigate the relationship between salivary characteristics and SECC: Further research is needed to understand the relationship between salivary characteristics and SECC.
Develop interventions to prevent SECC: Interventions aimed at preventing SECC should be developed and tested.
Investigate the effectiveness of saliva stimulation: The effectiveness of saliva stimulation in preventing SECC should be investigated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of saliva in maintaining oral health and preventing SECC in children. The findings of this study emphasize the need for parents and caregivers to maintain good oral hygiene practices, provide a balanced diet, and stimulate saliva production to prevent SECC. Further research is needed to develop effective interventions to prevent SECC and to investigate the relationship between salivary characteristics and SECC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC) and Salivary Characteristics

Q: What is Severe Early Childhood Caries (SECC)?

A: SECC is a condition of dental infections that affects children, particularly those with poor oral hygiene. It is characterized by the presence of one or more decayed (non-cavitated or cavitated lesions), missing (due to caries), or filled tooth surfaces in any primary tooth in a child under the age of 6 years.

Q: What are the risk factors for SECC?

A: The risk factors for SECC include:

Poor oral hygiene
Dietary habits (e.g., frequent consumption of sugary and acidic foods and drinks)
Genetic predisposition
Lack of access to dental care
Socioeconomic status

Q: What is the role of saliva in preventing SECC?

A: Saliva plays a crucial role in preventing SECC by:

Neutralizing acids
Remineralizing teeth
Preventing the adhesion of bacteria to tooth surfaces
Stimulating the flow of saliva to help wash away bacteria and food particles

Q: What are the characteristics of saliva in children with SECC?

A: The characteristics of saliva in children with SECC are:

Lower pH (more acidic)
Lower buffer capacity (less able to neutralize acids)
Lower flow rate (less able to wash away bacteria and food particles)
Lower salivary volume (less able to protect teeth)

Q: How can parents and caregivers prevent SECC?

A: Parents and caregivers can prevent SECC by:

Emphasizing the importance of regular brushing and flossing
Providing a balanced diet that is low in sugar and acid
Stimulating saliva production by encouraging children to chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy
Regular dental check-ups to identify early signs of SECC

Q: What are the consequences of SECC?

A: The consequences of SECC can include:

Pain and discomfort
Infection and abscesses
Tooth loss
Increased risk of dental problems in the future

Q: How can parents and caregivers identify SECC?

A: Parents and caregivers can identify SECC by:

Looking for signs of tooth decay (e.g., brown or black spots on teeth)
Checking for signs of pain or discomfort (e.g., crying or fussing when eating or drinking)
Scheduling regular dental check-ups to identify early signs of SECC

Q: What is the treatment for SECC?

A: The treatment for SECC typically involves:

Removing decayed or damaged tooth tissue
Filling cavities with a tooth-colored material
Providing pain relief and antibiotics to treat infection
Scheduling regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and prevent future problems

Q: Can SECC be prevented?

A: Yes, SECC can be prevented by:

Maintaining good oral hygiene practices
Providing a balanced diet that is low in sugar and acid
Stimulating saliva production
Regular dental check-ups to identify early signs of SECC

Q: What is the prognosis for children with SECC?

A: The prognosis for children with SECC depends on the severity of the condition and the effectiveness of treatment. With prompt and proper treatment, most children with SECC can recover fully and prevent future problems. However, in some cases, SECC can lead to more serious dental problems, such as tooth loss or infection.