Dental Caries and Salivary Health in Bodybuilders vs. Non-Bodybuilders: A Comparative Study

A bstract Objectives: Tooth decay is the demineralization of the enamel due to acids produced by bacteria. Bodybuilders use supplements to enhance muscle growth, which may affect salivary flow and composition. Changes in saliva impact its protective function. This study aims to establish a relationship between dental caries and protein consumption in resistance-trained men. Methods: This cross-sectional investigation was performed in Baghdad city (December 2024–February 2025). The study recruited 200 Iraqi men and divided them into two groups of 100 subjects each: non-bodybuilders and bodybuilders. Dental caries and bleeding on probing (BOP) were measured. Caries experience was taken based on missing, decayed, filled index (decayed missing for filled teeth) index for permanent teeth) according to criteria described by the World Health Organization (WHO) (2013) using the WHO community periodontal index probe and dental mirror. The analysis of unstimulated saliva involved collecting samples to calculate pH (by pH meter) and flow rate via dividing the collected saliva volume (in milliliters) by the number of minutes consumed, as well as salivary biomarkers such as salivary urea and salivary total antioxidant capacity (measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit). Result: The mean number of surfaces of decay, missing, filling, or combined decay-missing-filling is high in the study group: 10.150 ± 1.742, 2.550 ± 0.494, 4.450 ± 0.582, and 17.150 ± 1.030, respectively, P < 0.05, with a significant change except in missing surfaces. The mean values of flow rate and the pH were 0.305 ± 0.154 and 6.470 ± 0.268, respectively, with significant differences only in flow rate ( P < 0.05). For the salivary urea and total antioxidant capacity, the mean values are 248.101 ± 36.062 and 20.397 ± 3.956, respectively, P < 0.05, indicating a significant difference. The mean value of BOP is 39.645 ± 13.203. Conclusion: Frequency of protein consumption may be directly linked to higher rates of dental caries and bleeding during probing.