ABSTRACT
VA and DS conceived the idea. VA collected the data and analyzed the data. VA wrote the manuscript draft. VA and DS both finalized and approved the draft. Authors declare that the manuscript has been read and approved and that the requirement for authorship is met and that the authors believe that the manuscript represents honest work and that the information given is not provided to any other publisher in any form.
ABSTRACT
Sialolithiasis is a multi-factorial pathology that accounts for more than 50% of salivary gland disease. However,the exact impact of salivary pH and calcium (Ca2+) and phosphate (PO43−) on the sialoliths' formation stillremains unknown. Materials and Methods: Seven removed sialoliths were put into flasks with artificial salivasolution that differed in concentrations of Ca2+ and PO43−. The changes in weights of sialoliths and alterations inpH had been measured for 13 weeks. Concentrations of Ca2+ and PO43− in the artificial saliva solution wereestimated at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Results: Sialoliths' weight decrease was observedfrom the 2nd to 7th week. It occurred parallel with natural pH decrease (from 7 to 6.5 pH). Sialoliths’ weightsstarted increasing after pH was adjusted with NaOH. Analyzing the concentration changes of Ca2+ in everyflask, it was determined that from natural or double Ca2+ concentration, it decreased till similar amount (7–14times). Analyzing the concentration changes of PO43−, it was determined that from natural or doublePO43− concentration it decreased 24 times. Conclusions: Sialoliths' weights decreased parallel with natural pHdecrease and sialoliths grew when pH was adjusted. PO43− ions concentration decreased relatively more thanCa2+ ions concentration.