Herwanda Herwanda, Poppy Andriany, Cut Fera Novita, Munifah Abdat, Subhani Jakfar, Basri A. Gani
Objective: To evaluate the association of salivary biochemical parameters, Streptococcus mutans load, and gtfB gene expression as a microbial virulence indicator with dental caries among primary school children in Banda Aceh, Indonesia. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study included 150 children aged 6-12 years. Dental caries was assessed using the dmft/DMFT index. Unstimulated saliva was analyzed for calcium, phosphate, pH, flow rate, and buffering capacity. S. mutans counts were quantified, and gtfB gene expression was quantified using SYBR Green-based qPCR. Behavioral factors (toothbrushing frequency and sweet intake) and socioeconomic status were recorded. Data were analyzed using chi-square tests, independent t-tests, and multivariate logistic regression (95% CI). Results: Dental caries was significantly associated with frequent consumption of sweets, inadequate toothbrushing, and low socioeconomic status (p < 0.05). Caries-positive children exhibited lower salivary calcium and pH, reduced flow rate, and higher S. mutans counts and gtfB expression. Logistic regression identified low calcium, low pH, high S. mutans load, and frequent sweet intake as significant risk factors. Conclusion: Salivary biochemical parameters and microbial virulence indicators are significantly associated with caries risk, supporting the integration of salivary, microbial, behavioral, and socioeconomic indicators for early caries risk assessment. © 2026, Association of Support to Oral Health Research (APESB). All rights reserved.
Department of Dental Public Health, Dentistry Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Dental Materials, Dentistry Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia; Department of Oral Biology, Dentistry Faculty, Universitas Syiah Kuala, Banda Aceh, Indonesia
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