Effects of Beverage Consumption, Light Exercise, and Sleeping Hours on Salivary Flow Rate, Buffering Capacity, and Albumin Level in Young Adults

Background: Salivary characteristics play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and can be affected by various lifestyle factors. There is very little research to cover the influence of individuals lifestyle behavior on the salivary biomarkers. This research paper aims to explore the influence of popular drinks, light exercise, and sleeping hours on salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and salivary albumin level in young adults. Materials and methods: The study involved 92 participants aged 18-25 years who were completed a detailed questionnaire on their dietary habits, physical activity, and sleep patterns. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed to determine the salivary flow rate, buffering capacity, and albumin level. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from participants, and flow rate was noted down during collection of the sample. pH was assessed with a digital pH meter and buffering capacity was estimated using Ericsson method. Salivary albumin was estimated using the Bromocresol green method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov, Pearson correlation, Spearman’s rank correlation, Mann-Whitney U and t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: The results showed nonsignificant correlations between salivary parameters and the lifestyle factors studied. However, significant correlations were observed between body mass index and light exercise, and consumption of water and water-milk. Also, a significant correlation was obtained between gender and salivary buffering capacity. Conclusion: Combination of lifestyle factors could influence salivary characteristics in young adults. Further research with larger number of participants is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between lifestyle behaviors and oral health biomarkers.