Parotid fluid and serum glucose levels and parotid fluid flow rate as related to dental caries status.

Abstract

Abstract : Parotid fluid samples were collected without exogenous stimulation from 507 systemically healthy young adult males. Blood was drawn from each participant and subjects were classified as to dental caries experience (DMFS). Parotid fluid flow rate was recorded, and serum and parotid fluid were analyzed for glucose concentration by the glucose oxidase procedure. The presence of glucose in parotid fluid was confirmed. Neither parotid fluid flow rate, parotid fluid glucose level, nor serum glucose concentration was found to be related to caries experience. For all participants, the mean for each of the three variables was 0.042 (S.D. ! 0.036) ml./min., 0.75 (S.D. ! 0.68) mg. %, and 84.8 (S.D. ! 7.76) mg. %, respectively.