Objective: The purpose of the study was to evaluate if there is a link between salivary pepsin levels and tooth erosion. Also, to determine if gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is responsible for much of the tooth erosion seen by dentists.
Background: Pepsin is only produced within the stomach. If found within other parts of the body [for example within saliva or sputum samples], the only mechanism by which that would be possible is via the reflux of gastric contents. One of the causes of dental erosion is thought to be due to direct contact between tooth surfaces and acidic substances and digestive enzymes present in gastric refluxate. GERD is a common condition, with its prevalence seemingly trending higher in recent decades. It is reportedly a known cause of tooth erosions. From the hypothesis, there was an expectation to see patients with dental erosions to have pepsin detected [and perhaps at high levels] and to see patients without dental erosions to have no or low levels of pepsin.
Method: Three saliva samples were collected [on waking and 2 post-prandial] from 50 anonymous participating patients (26 females, 24 males) from a single dental practice. Extra information was collected related to lifestyle, Reflux Symptom Index (RSI – reflux questionnaire) and tooth erosions. These samples were analyzed for the stomach enzyme pepsin using the validated medical device Peptest.
Results: There was no correlation between positive pepsin levels and the presence of tooth erosion during this study. There was a statistical difference between the on waking pH vs. positive pepsin levels and post prandial pH vs. positive pepsin levels. The average pH was lower for on waking and post-prandial samples with positive pepsin, suggesting that the saliva was acidic and gastric reflux had occurred. Conversely, the average pH was higher for on waking and post-prandial samples with negative pepsin. There was no statistical difference between pH vs. tooth erosion in the on waking and post- prandial.
Conclusion: Patients identified as having tooth erosion did not have higher levels of pepsin detected, suggesting that pepsin was not associated with dental erosion in these patients.
Great, We are too comfortable with the process including the peer review process and quality. But, the journal should be indexed in different databases such scopus.
Afework Edmealem
Publishing with the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Ophthalmology was a rewarding experience as review process was thorough and brisk. Their visibility online is second to none as t...
University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Nig...
Dr. Elizabeth A Awoyesuku
“It was a delightful experience publishing my manuscript with the Clinical Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology. They offered me lots of opportunities I never had from most publishing houses and the...
Department of Agricultural Economics, Agribusiness...
Akowuah Jones Asafo
We appreciate the fact that you decided to give us full waiver for the applicable charges and approve the final version. You did an excellent job preparing the PDF version. Of course we will consider ...
Anna Dionysopoulou
I was very pleased with the quick editorial process. We are sure that our paper will have great visibility, among other things due to its open access. We believe in science accessible to all.
Anderson Fernando de Souza
Thank you very much. I think the review process and all of what concerns the administration of the publication concerning our paper has been excellent. The nice and quick answers have been very good I...
Doris Nilsson
Thank you very much for your support and encouragement. I am truly impressed by your tolerance and support.
Thank you very much
Diaverum: PADC, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Nasrulla Abutaleb
Thanks you and your colleague for the great help for our publication. You always provide prompt responses and high quality of service. I am so happy to have you working with me.
Thanks again!
Diana (Ding) Dai
I want to thank you for our collaboration. You were fast and effective with a positive spirit of teamwork.
I am truly excited from our collaboration. You were like always fast, efficient and accurate...
Aikaterini Solomou
“Mobile apps and wearable technology are becoming ubiquitous in our environment. Their integration with healthcare delivery is just beginning to take shape. The early results are promising and the...
HSPI: We're glad you're here. Please click "create a new Query" if you are a new visitor to our website and need further information from us.
If you are already a member of our network and need to keep track of any developments regarding a question you have already submitted, click "take me to my Query."