Parotid saliva protein profiles in caries-free and caries-active adults

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine if there were any differences in the parotid saliva output and composition related to caries activity. Study design. Stimulated parotid saliva samples were collected from 85 healthy young adults, caries-active or caries-free. Flow rates were determined, and samples were analyzed for pH and buffer capacity, total protein, electrolytes, proteins with a high performance liquid chromatography method, and histatins. Results. There were no differences in flow rates or pH, but buffer capacity was higher in women than in men, and K+ and Cl- were both slightly higher in the caries-active group. The women had a significantly higher total protein concentration, as well as higher concentrations of each of the individual protein components assayed. There were no differences attributable to caries activity. Conclusions. Significant sex differences in salivary protein concentrations exist. Caries activity may be related to some salivary electrolyte alterations, but not to protein composition.