Estimation and Correlation of Alkaline Phosphatase Enzymatic Activity in Saliva with and without Early Childhood Caries in South Indian Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Introduction: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a major common problem seen in children and is the most prevalent chronic disease that leads to discomfort, pain, and poor quality of life, affecting the health of children. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) is a nonspecific phosphomonoesterase that functions through a phosphoery 1 intermediate to produce free inorganic phosphate. It has different isoenzymes produced by different cell types such as polymorphonuclear leukocytes, osteoblasts, macrophages, and fibroblasts within alveolar bone and/or salivary glands. Various studies show that higher ALP activity is related to periodontal disease and dental caries.

Aim: This study aims to estimate and correlate salivary Alkaline Phosphatase enzyme activity in the saliva of children with and without ECC.

Materials And Methods: A total of 50 children were included in the study, divided into two groups-caries-active and caries-free, each consisting of 25 participants. Unstimulated saliva samples were collected and subjected to a spectrophotometer for analysis. ALP enzyme activity levels were estimated and correlated between caries-active and caries-free children.

Results: The correlation between caries score and ALP activity was statistically significant, with a moderate correlation. The comparison of mean ALP activity between caries-active and caries-free groups was statistically significant. However, the comparison of ALP based on different age-groups and gender was not statistically significant. There was a statistically significant correlation between caries scores and the caries-active group.

Conclusion: In conclusion, there is a substantial correlation between ALP enzyme levels and the severity of dental caries. An increase in ALP enzyme level is linked to a considerable rise in caries severity. Therefore, prevention may be possible with early detection.

How To Cite This Article: Thimmegowda U, Kuri PN. Estimation and Correlation of Alkaline Phosphatase Enzymatic Activity in Saliva with and without Early Childhood Caries in South Indian Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(5):528-531.