Concentration of salivary magnesium in relation to dental caries among a group of adults

Abstract

Magnesium is one of the major cations in plant and animal tissues and is an
essential constituent of the bone and tissue, as well as the body fluids. Concentrations
of most electrolytes in saliva are subjected to considerable alteration. The aim of this
study was to investigate the salivary magnesium in relation to dental caries. A sample
of 46 adults was involved with age range of 20-45 years. Samples of stimulated saliva
were collected and prepared to be analyzed for magnesium estimation using atomic
absorption spectrophotometer. Clinical examination was done for dental caries using
WHO criteria. The salivary magnesium concentration was 0.38mg/dl. Neither the sex,
nor the age influenced the concentration of magnesium in supernatant stimulated
saliva. Negative correlations were found between salivary magnesium and age,
salivary flow rate, while, a positive correlation was recorded with dental caries. All
these associations were not proved to be significant (P<0.05). Further investigation
should be done on whole saliva to clarify the association between magnesium and
dental caries. The magnesium relation with the other elements must be considered.