A Comparative Evaluation of Physical Parameters of Saliva and Correlation with Periodontal Condition in Down Syndrome Children and Healthy Controls.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the significance and role of physical parameters of saliva on periodontal health in children with Down syndrome (DS).

Materials And Methods: A comparative evaluation of physical parameters of saliva such as flow rate, viscosity, pH, quantity and buffering capacity, and buffer capacity was carried out using GC Saliva-Check Buffer kit and correlated with periodontal condition examined using community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) in 40 DS subjects (group I) and 40 healthy controls (group II) aged 8-15 years.

Results: Down syndrome subjects had a low resting salivary flow rate, moderately acidic saliva, very low quantity of stimulated saliva, and low buffering capacity.