Evaluation of Salivary PH levels as Dental Stress Biomarker for Children Undergoing Extraction - An in Vivo Study

Abstract Abstract Introduction: Dental fear and anxiety (DFA) is a prevalent concern in pediatric dentistry, impacting a significant portion of children. This emotional state manifests in physiological changes, including xerostomia (dry mouth) due to reduced salivary flow and altered salivary pH levels. The potential to quantify stress levels in children undergoing dental treatment through the measurement of salivary pH warrants further investigation. Methods: The study aims to examine the association between dental fear and salivary pH in children aged 6-8 years undergoing tooth extraction. A total of 22 children participated, providing salivary samples twice: once in the waiting room prior to any dental procedures (Sample A) and again just before local anesthetic injection (Sample B). Anxiety levels were measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), while salivary pH was assessed using a digital pH meter. The obtained values were compiled, tabulated and analysed statistically. Conclusion: This study represents a novel contribution to the field with evidence for an inverse relationship between salivary pH and anxiety levels, suggesting its potential as a non-invasive and cost-effective chairside biomarker for stress assessment.