Journal of Disability and Oral Health

cover art

Cover Date:
December 2006
Print ISSN:
1470-8558
Electronic ISSN:
1754-2758
Vol:
7
Issue:
3

Flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in saliva of adolescents with cerebral palsy

Aim: To evaluate the flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in saliva of adolescents with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: Twenty-four adolescents with CP (14 boys) attending Lar Escola Sao Francisco Rehabilitation Center (age mean±S.D.=12±2) were compared with eighteen adolescents (10 boys) without CP (age mean±S.D.=12±4). The whole saliva was collected under slight suction. Flow rate was calculated in ml/min, and the pH and the buffer capacity were determined using a digital pH meter. The buffer capacity was measured by titration with 0.01 N HCl. Results: Were statistically analysed by Student’s t test. Salivary flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in the pH interval of 6.9–6.0 were significantly lower in individuals with CP (p<0.0001; 0.0063; and 0.0014 respectively). Boys and girls from the cerebral palsy group demonstrated a significantly lower flow rate and buffer capacity in the pH range of 6.9–6.0 than the boys and girls from the control group (p= 0.016; 0.0362; <0.0001; and 0.0003 respectively). The salivary pH was significantly lower in boys with CP (p= 0.0022) while the girls from the same group showed no difference when compared with the control group (p=0.195). Conclusion: That adolescents with CP present lower pH, flow rates and buffer capacity in comparison to the control group, which increases the risk of oral diseases in this population. Key words: Cerebral palsy, saliva, flow rate, pH, buffer capacity, adolescents

Article Price
£15.00
Institution Article Price
£15.00
Page Start
185
Page End
188
Authors
José Nicolau, Walter Luiz Siqueira, Maria Teresa Botti Rodrigues dos Santos

Articles from this issue

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  • Pg. End

  1. Editorial
  2. 142
  3. 142

  1. Defining the population requiring special care dentistry using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health – a personal view
  2. 143
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  1. Salivary methotrexate following IV therapy for osteosarcoma: a pilot study
  2. 153
  3. 155

  1. Hypnosis – alternative, or complimentary to conscious sedation in dentistry? A review
  2. 156
  3. 162

  1. Guidelines for the delivery of a Domiciliary Oral Health Care Service.
  2. 166
  3. 172

  1. Oral disease experience of adults with severe disability, prior to receiving dental treatment under general anaesthesia
  2. 173
  3. 175

  1. Overview of a hospital based dental programme for persons with special needs
  2. 176
  3. 184

  1. Flow rate, pH and buffer capacity in saliva of adolescents with cerebral palsy
  2. 185
  3. 188

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