Concurrent Concentrations of Human Salivary Buffer Components in Serum and Saliva.

Abstract

The present study is concerned with a comparison of the buffer components and buffer capacities (pH range 7 to 6) of paraffin-stimulated whole saliva and blood serum in 34 patients from whom samples were collected simultaneously. In every patient, the buffer capacity of serum exceeded that of saliva in the pH range tested; in each, saliva contained higher concentrations of K and P than serum, and serum contained greater concentrations of Na, bicarbonate and protein than saliva. There was no statistically significant correlation between the buffer capacities and the main buffer constituents of serum and stimulated whole saliva. Thus, the quantitative composition of the salivary buffers which act to protect against dental caries is determined primarily by glandular activity and not by simple ultrafiltration.