Exploring the Correlation between Salivary Spinnbarkeit and Caries Scores.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, the relationship between the spinnbarkeit, i.e., the stretchability of saliva, and dental caries was investigated. METHODS: Dentistry students were divided into a group with more than 2 decayed, missed, and filled teeth (DMFT ≥2, n = 30) and caries-free group (DMFT = 0, n = 36). RESULTS: Unstimulated saliva flow rate, pH, and spinnbarkeit were determined. Salivary spinnbarkeit was significantly lower in the caries-prone group compared to the caries-free group (5.4 ± 3.9 mm vs. 13.5 ± 7.6 mm, respectively, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: This suggests that saliva with high spinnbarkeit protects better against dental caries.