FACTORS INFLUENCING SALIVA PARAMETERS AMONG PATIENT ATTENDING GOVERNMENT DENTAL CLINICS IN KOTA BHARU DISTRICT.

Introduction: Saliva is a complex body fluid that plays a critical role in maintenance of oral health. Individuals with lower value of salivary parameters are deemed to have diminished buffer capacity, and they seem to be at increased risk for caries. The aim of this study was to determine age, sex, smoking status, type of work, level of education, frequency of dental attendance and causes of dental attendance and their influence on saliva parameters among patient attending government dental clinics in Kota Bharu district. Methodology: This is a cross sectional study of patient attending government dental clinics in Kota Bharu. 161 patients who fulfill inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected at every 10th interval. Saliva parameters were assessed using BUFFER@ TEST KIT- by GIC Co. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 13. Results: PH in smokers and male subjects are lower (p < 0.05). Male stimulated salivary flow rate are higher compare to females (p= 0.003). Smokers also have low buffer capacity (p= 0.038). Other factors (age, type of work, level of education, frequency of dental attendance and causes of dental attendance) are statistically not significant. Conclusion: Sex and smoking status have association with saliva parameters. Male are found to have low in pH but stimulated saliva flow rate are higher then female. Smokers have low in pH and buffer capacity compare to non smokers group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]