Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Nitric Oxide in Caries-free and Affected Children before and after Total Oral Rehabilitation.

Abstract

Background: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a multifactorial disease and a major public health concern. Saliva, a noninvasive diagnostic medium, plays a vital role in oral health. Nitric oxide (NO), beyond its physiological functions, exhibits potent antimicrobial properties and may serve as a biomarker for caries activity.

Aim: To estimate salivary NO levels in children with ECC and severe ECC (S-ECC) before and after total oral rehabilitation.

Design: Sixty-six physically and mentally healthy children aged 3-5 years were categorized into three groups: group I (caries-free), group II (ECC), and group III (S-ECC). Salivary NO and dietary nitrate were assessed at baseline. Groups II and III were reassessed at 1 week and 3 months postrehabilitation.

Results: Baseline salivary NO and dietary nitrate levels were significantly higher in the caries-free group (p < 0.05). A significant increase in NO levels was observed in ECC and S-ECC groups at 3 months postrehabilitation (p < 0.05), but not at 1 week (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Higher NO levels in caries-free children and postrehabilitation increase in NO suggest its potential as a prognostic biomarker.

How to cite this article: Priya K, Saha S, Rai K, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Nitric Oxide in Caries-free and Affected Children before and after Total Oral Rehabilitation. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2026;19(2):238-243.