Salivary Parameters Associated with Patients with Noncarious Cervical Lesions from Unstimulated and Stimulated Saliva

The etiology of noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) is based on stress, friction, and biocorrosion. Saliva is a modifying factor, related to the variability of salivary parameters and chemical composition. The aim of this study was to analyze salivary parameters in patients with NCCL using different collection methods and to identify possible biomarkers associated with NCCL.

Saliva samples were collected from subjects diagnosed with NCCL (n=20) and subjects without NCCL (n=20). Two unstimulated (spit and Salivette) and one stimulated (parafilm) method of saliva collection were used. For each collection, the salivary flow, pH, and buffering capacity were recorded. The salivary total protein and alpha-amylase concentrations were analyzed by Bradford and Western blotting methods, respectively.

Regardless of the presence of NCCL, stimulated collection promoted higher salivary flow (p<0.001) and total protein concentration (p<0.001). Salivary pH showed a positive correlation with salivary flow (r=0.244; p<0.001) and buffering capacity (r=0.354; p<0.001). Individuals with NCCL had a higher concentration of alpha-amylase (p=0.013).

The stimulation in the collection methods resulted in increased salivary flow and total protein concentration. A positive correlation was observed between pH and salivary flow, as well as between buffering capacity and salivary flow, irrespective of the presence of NCCLs. Furthermore, individuals with NCCL exhibited a higher concentration of alpha-amylase when compared with the control group.

Salivary parameters are directly influenced by the method of saliva collection. Therefore, standardization of saliva collection is essential, and salivary alpha-amylase is a possible biomarker for NCCL.