Salivary albumin as a potential biomarker for dental caries in adult population in Haryana: Evidence from an in vivo study.

Authors: Dr. Deepti Nandana, Dr. Ashtha Arya, Dr. Gourav Thapak

DOI: 10.18231/j.jds.11605.1768837041

Keywords: Salivary albumin, Dental caries, DMFT score, Saliva, Oral health, Biomarker

Abstract: Aim and Objective: The study investigated the correlation between salivary albumin levels and dental caries in the adult population of Haryana based on Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores. Introduction: Dental caries remains a prevalent oral health concern, with saliva playing a crucial role in its prevention and progression. Among salivary components, albumin has gained attention as a potential biomarker, prompting this study to explore its correlation with the severity of dental caries. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on sixty adult participants who were divided into 4 groups based on their Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth scores: Group 1 (DMFT 0, caries-free), Group 2 (DMFT 1-5), Group 3 (DMFT 6-10), and Group 4 (DMFT >10). Standardized procedures were used to obtain unstimulated saliva samples from each participant. Salivary albumin levels were measured using the Agappe albumin kit and the bromocresol green technique. One-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test were used to statistically analyze the collected data, with a significance threshold of p < 0.05. Results: Salivary albumin levels and DMFT scores were found to be significantly inversely correlated by statistical analysis (p = 0.001). The mean salivary albumin levels were highest in Group 1 (0.34 ± 0.08 mg/mL) and progressively decreased across Group 2 (0.33 ± 0.08 mg/mL), Group 3 (0.20 ± 0.11 mg/mL), and Group 4 (0.12 ± 0.04 mg/mL). Post-hoc analysis confirmed significant differences between caries-free individuals and those with high DMFT scores. Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that lower salivary albumin levels are associated with increased susceptibility to dental caries.