Sundus Mohammed Ali Al-Bazi
Department of Dentistry, Al-Zahrawi University College, Kerbala city, Iraq
Ala Mahdi Muhamed Ali
Department of Conservative Dentistry, University of Kerbala, College of Dentistry, Kerbala city, Iraq
Hamsa Zaki Al-Assadi
Department of Conservative Dentistry, University of Kerbala, College of Dentistry, Kerbala city, Iraq
Ali S. Al-Haddad
Department of Oral Diagnosis, University of Kerbala, College of Dentistry, Kerbala city, Iraq
ABSTRACT
Background: Dental education is recognized as a significant source of stress, which may influence the oral health of students. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between stress levels and salivary parameters, including pH, flow rate, and mineral content (calcium, phosphate, and magnesium), and their potential association with dental caries severity among dental students. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on dental students categorized into three groups based on their stress levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Saliva samples were collected and analyzed for pH, flow rate, and mineral concentrations. Dental caries severity was assessed using standardized caries indices. Statistical analyses were performed to determine correlations between stress, salivary parameters, and caries severity. Results: A significant decrease in salivary pH was observed with increasing stress levels (P=0.032). However, no significant associations were found between stress levels and salivary flow rate, calcium, phosphate, or magnesium concentrations (P=0.473, 0.527, 0.411, and 0.073, respectively). The relationship between stress levels and dental caries severity was also non-significant (P > 0.05). Despite this, certain correlations between salivary parameters and caries indices were noted within different stress level groups. Conclusion: The study highlights a significant inverse relationship between stress levels and salivary pH, suggesting that stress may contribute to adverse oral health outcomes. However, other salivary parameters and dental caries severity showed no direct association with stress levels. These findings emphasize the importance of stress management in promoting better oral health among dental students.
Keywords: Caries, dental students, saliva pH, saliva minerals, stress.
