Relationship between quantitative assessments of salivary buffering capacity and ion activity product for hydroxyapatite in relation to cariogenic potential

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The ion activity product for hydroxyapatite (Ip(HA)) is a comprehensive parameter reflecting pH, calcium and phosphate ion concentration in saliva which govern the degree of saturation with respect to the dissolving tooth mineral. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between quantitative assessments of salivary buffering capacity and Ip(HA) in relation to cariogenic potential. METHODS: Stimulated whole saliva was collected from 33 patients, and the initial pH of samples was measured using a hand-held pH meter. Then samples were titrated with 0.1 N HCl to evaluate buffering capacities and divided into three groups (high, medium and low). After measuring concentra..