A STUDY OF WHOLE SALIVA AND DENTAL CALCULUS IN SUBMARINERS
Abstract
Dental calculus is known to be related to the initiation of periodontal disease. Recent studies have indicated that salivary acid-base changes occur on patrol and that such changes may reasonably be expected to influence the formation and composition of dental calculus. A study was completed to examine these factors. Whole saliva samples were collected from 11 crewmen of Polaris submarine at four periods in the patrol cycle: prepatrol, one week after the patrol started, after the 27th day of patrol, and during the last week of patrol. The calculus formation rate was assessed at the end of this time and a calculus sample was removed for analysis. Analyses revealed a significant increase in the salivary bicarbonate as the patrol progressed and a remarkably high calcium-phosphorus ratio was seen in the calculus samples. All other sought relationships were essentially negative.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 14, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0690550
Entities
People
- David M. Kerr
- William R. Shiller
Organizations
- Naval Submarine Medical Research Laboratory