Evaluation of possible biomarkers for caries risk in children 6 to 12 years of age

Figures & data

Table 1. Characteristics of the children participating in the study

Plaque index	Caries Free	Caries Group 1	Caries Group 2	p-value
Mean, Standard deviation	31.1 ± 15.3	33.3 ± 7.7	35.9 ± 22.7	0.83^a
Oral Hygiene
Good	16.7%	0	8.3%	0.63^b
Moderate	33.3%	44.4%	33.3%
Poor	50%	55.6%	58.3%
Brushing teeth with fluoride toothpaste
>2 times per day	91.7%	100%	83.3%	0.42 ^b
< 2 times per day	8.3%	0%	16.7%
Number of meals and/or drinks per day
>7 times per day	0	88.8%	0%	0.25 ^b
< 7 times per day	100%	11.1%	100%

^aAfter confirming normality of the data and homogeneity of the variances, the value was calculated with the ANOVA test. ^bValue calculated with the chi-square test. No significant differences were detected (p > 0.05).

Figure 1. Salivary concentration of molecules associated with the immune system. Box plots show: A. Levels of IgA in children without caries (CF) and with caries. B. Levels of IgA in children without caries (CF), children with ICDAS 1 and 2 (CA1), and children with ICDAS greater than 3 (CA2). C. Levels of cathelicidin LL-37 in children without caries (CF) and with caries. D. Levels of cathelicidin LL-37 in children without caries (CF), children with ICDAS 1 and 2 (CA1), and children with ICDAS greater than 3 (CA2)

Figure 2. Salivary concentration of molecules associated with the adhesion capacity of microorganisms. Boxplots correspond to: A. Levels of statherin in children without caries (CF) and with caries. B. Levels of statherin in children without caries (CF), children with ICDAS 1 and 2 (CA1), and children with ICDAS greater than 3 (CA2). C. Levels of fibronectin in children without caries (CF) and with caries. D. Levels of fibronectin in children without caries (CF), children with ICDAS 1 and 2 (CA1), and children with ICDAS greater than 3 (CA2). The asterisk (*) indicates significance of p < 0.05 as per the Kruskal–Wallis analysis

Figure 3. Salivary concentration of molecules associated with the pH. Boxplots represent: A. Differential levels of formate in children without cavities (CF) and with cavities. B. Formate levels in children without caries (CF), children with ICDAS 1 and 2 (CA1), and children with ICDAS greater than 3 (CA2). C. Phosphate levels in children without cavities (CF) and with cavities (C). D. Phosphate levels in children without caries (CF), children with ICDAS 1 and 2 (CA1), and children with ICDAS greater than 3 (CA2)