Salivary fluoride and calcium concentrations, and their relationship to the secretion of saliva and caries experience

Samples were collected from the stimulated saliva of 113 students enrolled in institutions of higher education. The students were divided into three "carries-diagnostic groups" on the basis of indications given by the Dentocult saliva test, which shows the frequency of lactobacilli and other aciduric microorganisms in saliva. The frequency of such microorganisms in 1 ml saliva in Group A was less than or equal to 103, in Group B greater than 10(3), less than 10(4) and in Group C greater than or equal to 10(4). The rate of secretion of saliva in Group A was significantly higher than in Group C (P less than 0.05). On the average, a rise was noted in the fluoride and calcium concentrations with increasing "caries activity". In the material as a whole, there was a negative and highly significant correlation between the secretion rate of saliva and the concentrations of fluoride and calcium. In the examination by groups, significant correlations were observed between fluoride concentration and rate of saliva secretion in Group A, and with respect to fluoride and calcium only in Group C. The results suggest that the extra salivary fluoride is likely to be derived from the enamel.