Salivary Alkaline Phosphatase as a Dual Biomarker for Dental Caries and Obesity in Egyptian Children: A Cross-sectional Study

Aim: To assess the relationship between salivary alkaline phosphatase (S-ALP) levels and dental caries experience and severity and the correlation between S-ALP and Body Mass Index (BMI) of children. Methods:This cross-sectional study included 30 participants aged 6-8 years.The participants' BMI was measured, followed by saliva collection and evaluation of caries experience and severity.The S-ALP levels were measured spectrophotometrically.Results: Results showed a positive correlation between S-ALP levels and dental caries experience in primary dentition with a statistically significant difference (p = 0.031), as well as a positive correlation between S-ALP and caries experience in mixed dentition, but without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.512).There was a positive relationship between S-ALP and caries severity, although this was not statistically significant (p = 0.306), and a positive correlation between S-ALP and BMI without a statistically significant difference (p = 0.654). Conclusion:High levels of S-ALP are linked to a higher risk of both dental caries and obesity, making it a possible dual biomarker for the early prediction of both diseases.