Abstract
The aim of the present study is to evaluate the status of salivary nitric oxide in
patients with dental caries. The study consisted of 80 individuals. According to DFMT
index, the subjects were divided into control group (DMFT=0) and study group (DMFT>5).
Saliva sample was collected from each subject. Nitric oxide concentration was measured
as total nitrates and nitrites by the Griess reaction method. The results of this
study show that the presence of NO and its metabolites in saliva of adults with natural
healthy teeth is significantly higher compared to high risk group, suggesting the
protective role of NO in relation to caries. From the study it can be concluded that
highly significant increase of nitrates and nitrites in stimulated saliva of high
caries risk group could be the host defense response opposing bacterial growth. The
obtained results support the role of NO as modulator of bacterial proliferation and
suggest that increased NO production might contribute to lower caries incidence in
adults.
Keywords
Nitric Oxide - Dental Caries - Saliva - DMFT