Salivary Parameters in Paediatric Dental Patients: A Comparative Study

Unveiling the Impact of COVID-19 Vaccination on Salivary Health

SAUDI ARABIA: In a recent study conducted by researchers at Riyadh Elm University, Saudi Arabia, the salivary secretion, pH, and buffer capacity of child patients were systematically compared between those who received the COVID-19 vaccine and those who remained unvaccinated. 

The study, published on December 25, 2023, sheds light on potential differences in salivary parameters among pediatric dental patients seeking care in private university dental hospitals in Riyadh.

Objective of the Study

The primary aim of this research was to comprehensively assess and compare salivary secretion, pH levels, and buffer capacity between child patients who have received the COVID-19 vaccine and those who remain unvaccinated. This pioneering study marks the first of its kind in making such a comparative analysis among pediatric dental patients.

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Methodology

The study sample included 66 COVID-19 unvaccinated and 66 vaccinated pediatric dental patients aged 4–12 years. Saliva samples were collected after stimulation, and the quantity of saliva secreted per minute was recorded. Salivary pH and buffering capacity were measured using a benchtop digital pH meter. The collected data underwent a rigorous comparative analysis using an independent t-test.

Key Findings

The results of the study revealed notable differences in salivary parameters between the two groups. Unvaccinated participants exhibited:

• Higher Salivary Secretion: 0.83 ± 0.24 mL/min (unvaccinated) vs. 0.67 ± 0.24 mL/min (vaccinated), p = 0.001.
• Higher Salivary pH: 7.33 ± 0.39 (unvaccinated) vs. 7.04 ± 0.46 (vaccinated), p < 0.001.
• Higher Buffering Capacity: 6.31 ± 1.55 (unvaccinated) vs. 5.40 ± 1.22 (vaccinated), p < 0.001.

Gender-Based Variations

Further analysis revealed gender-based distinctions, with unvaccinated females and males demonstrating significantly higher salivary secretion, pH, and buffering capacity compared to their vaccinated counterparts.

Conclusion

The study concludes that pediatric patients who received the COVID-19 vaccine displayed significantly lower mean salivary secretion, pH, and buffering capacity compared to their unvaccinated counterparts. This suggests a potential impact of COVID-19 vaccination on salivary parameters in the pediatric population. The findings prompt further exploration into the broader implications of vaccination on oral health.

This research contributes to the evolving understanding of the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 vaccination and emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring and research in the realm of dental care, especially in pediatric patients.

Read full article: Comparison of Salivary Secretion, pH, and Buffer Capacity Between COVID-19 Vaccinated and Unvaccinated Child Patients Visiting Dental Clinics of University Hospitals in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia