IJSR International Journal of Scientific Research 2277 - 8179 Indian Society for Health and Advanced Research ijsr-7-10-16799 Original Research Paper EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF SALIVARY TOTAL ANTIOXIDANT LEVEL, pH AND FLOW RATE AMONG CARIES ACTIVE AND CARIES FREE CHILDREN. G Dr. SHAFNA T.P Dr. NAMRATHA THARAY Dr. NAFIYA QUAZI Dr. October 2018 7 10 01 02 ABSTRACT

Oral hygiene, saliva and its constituents have crucial role in the development of dental caries.

AIM:  To correlate the Total Antioxidant Level (TAL), pH and Flow Rate (FR) of unstimulated saliva with caries.

DESIGN:sixty children aged 6–13 years attended to the department of Pedodontics were selected. Caries Active (CA, n=30) and Caries Free (CF, n=30).

METHODOLOGY:Salivary antioxidant level estimated by Phosphomolybdenum method, pH by digital pH meter and FR measured in milliliter/minute.

RESULTS:Total antioxidant level was significantly high in CA(0.19) than CF children (0.08), pH (CA: 5.96, CF: 7.13) and FR (CA: 0.32 ml/min, CF: 0.42 ml/min) were less in caries active and more in free group.

CONCLUSION:Higher level of total antioxidant level, lower level of pH and FR among caries active children can be used as a caries risk indicator.