Parotid saliva protein profiles in caries-free and caries-active adults.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine if there were any differences in the parotid saliva output and composition related to caries activity.
Study Design: Stimulated parotid saliva samples were collected from 85 healthy young adults, caries-active or caries-free. Flow rates were determined, and samples were analyzed for pH and buffer capacity, total protein, electrolytes, proteins with a high performance liquid chromatography method, and histatins.
Results: There were no differences in flow rates or pH, but buffer capacity was higher in women than in men, and K+ and Cl- were both slightly higher in the caries-active group. The women had a significantly higher total protein concentration, as well as higher concentrations of each of the individual protein components assayed. There were no differences attributable to caries activity.
Conclusions: Significant sex differences in salivary protein concentrations exist. Caries activity may be related to some salivary electrolyte alterations, but not to protein composition.