Salivary Omega6/ Omega 3 Fatty Acid Ratio And Dental Caries-Less is More

Abstract

Background: Omega 3 and omega 6 are essential polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) which cannot be

synthesized in the body and needs to be obtained from dietary sources.The omega 6-omega 3 fatty acids

ratio is important for human health, hence appropriate amounts of both these fatty acids should be considered

for dietary recommendations.. A ratio ranging between 2:1 to 4: 1 (Omega 6: Omega 3) has been stated to

be the proper ratio by a summary of several nutritional estimation studies However the relation to dental

caries which is an infectious disease with multi-factorial etiology and is attributed to be the major reason for

loss of tooth in children & adolescents, has not yet been explored. Aim: To assess and compare the salivary

omega 6/omega 3 fatty acid ratio in children with varying levels of dental caries. Methodology: A total

of 205 children aged 7-14 years were selected for the study. The children were grouped based on ICDAS

II classification system into Group I (Study group- 102 children) and Group II (Control = 103 children).

Saliva samples were collectedand subjected to Gas Chromatography to quantify all the fatty acids. The

mean omega 6/omega 3 ratio was compared among the two groups. The statistical analysis was done by

one-way ANOVA. Results: On comparing the mean fatty acids ratio among the study and control groups,no

statistically significant differences (p=0.313) was noted. Conclusion:No statistically significant difference

was observed on comparing the ratio of omega 6 to omega 3 fatty acids in the 2 groups.