Salivary parameters and oral health in the Moebius syndrome

PURPOSE: To evaluate salivary characteristics, such as flow rate, buffering capacity and amylase activity, and associate these parameters with oral health in individuals with Moebius syndrome (MS) and controls. METHODS: The researchers assessed caries (ICDAS), periodontal disease (PSR), and plaque (Silness Löe) indexes in both groups. Unstimulated, stimulated, and bilateral parotid saliva were also collected. The salivary flow (milliliters/minute) and α-amylase activity were measured in all samples. The α-amylase activity was determined by maltose production. The buffering capacity was measured in stimulated saliva by titration of 0.01N HCl. RESULTS: The occurrence of carious lesions, related to cut-off 2, as well as the occurrence of periodontal disease, was significantly higher (p > 0.05) in participants with MS when compared to the control group. Also, MS individuals presented decreased salivary flow, decreased buffering capacity, and amylase activity. CONCLUSIONS: MS individuals present salivary alterations, which can be related to higher risk for caries.