Exploring the Correlation between Salivary Spinnbarkeit and Caries Scores

Abstract

<b><i>Introduction:</i></b> In this study, the relationship between the spinnbarkeit, i.e., the stretchability of saliva, and dental caries was investigated. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> Dentistry students were divided into a group with more than 2 decayed, missed, and filled teeth (DMFT ≥2, <i>n</i> = 30) and caries-free group (DMFT = 0, <i>n</i> = 36). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Unstimulated saliva flow rate, pH, and spinnbarkeit were determined. Salivary spinnbarkeit was significantly lower in the caries-prone group compared to the caries-free group (5.4 ± 3.9 mm vs. 13.5 ± 7.6 mm, respectively, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> This suggests that saliva with high spinnbarkeit protects better against dental caries.