Salivary Antimicrobial Peptides and Severe Early Childhood Caries in Turkish Children

This observational study aims to evaluate the relationship between salivary antimicrobial peptides and severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) in Turkish children. Severe early childhood caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by microbial, environmental, and host-related factors. Salivary antimicrobial peptides play an important role in the innate immune defense of the oral cavity and may influence susceptibility to dental caries. In this cross-sectional study, salivary samples were collected from children diagnosed with S-ECC and from caries-free controls. Clinical dental examinations were performed to assess caries status. The levels of selected salivary antimicrobial peptides were measured and compared between groups to determine potential associations. The findings of this study may contribute to a better understanding of the role of salivary immune components in the development of severe early childhood caries.

Inclusion Criteria: Case Group (S-ECC): * Preschool children aged 3-6 years * In the primary dentition period * No previous history of dental treatment * Diagnosis of severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) defined as: dmft ≥4 at age 3, dmft ≥5 at age 4, dmft ≥6 at age 5 * Systemically healthy children * Turkish ethnicity * Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians Control Group: * Preschool children aged 3-6 years * In the primary dentition period * No previous history of dental treatment * Caries-free children (dmft = 0) * No history of fillings or tooth extraction due to caries * Systemically healthy children * Turkish ethnicity * Written informed consent obtained from parents or legal guardians Exclusion Criteria: * Use of medications affecting salivary flow within the last 3 months (e.g., antimuscarinic agents, antihypertensives, antidepressants) * Presence of systemic or local diseases affecting salivary secretion (e.g., diabetes, salivary gland infections, salivary gland stones, neurological disorders) * Lack of parental/legal guardian consent * Inability to cooperate during saliva sample collection * Presence of chronic systemic diseases * History of chemotherapy or radiotherapy