Assessment of Vitamin E and Glutathione Peroxidase Levels in Salivary Samples of Children With and Without Dental Caries in Erbil City, Iraq.

Introduction: According to the classic understanding of the etiology of dental caries, an imbalance between demineralization and remineralization in the oral cavity is important. Salivary antioxidants, including glutathione peroxidase and vitamin E, can modulate oxidative stress.

Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated the levels of glutathione peroxidase and vitamin E in the saliva of 90 children from Erbil City. The children were further subdivided based on their caries status and membership in the caries-free group. SPSS software was used for statistical comparisons.

Results: The difference in antioxidant levels between the groups was statistically significant. In children, a significant decrease in the levels of glutathione (1664.356 µM) and vitamin E (4.0844 nM) in caries-susceptible individuals was observed compared to those not affected by caries (glutathione, 1945.355 µM; vitamin E, 5.3240 nM).

Conclusion: The study postulates that lower levels of antioxidants are associated with dental caries and highlights the potential of glutathione and vitamin E for oral health protection. This calls for further exploration of the usefulness of these antioxidants as potential therapeutic mediators for dental care.