Evaluation of salivary interleukin-6 in children with early childhood caries after treatment.

BACKGROUND

The role of cytokines as a marker in the oral inflammatory process in ECC has not been fully explored before and after full mouth rehabilitation.

AIMS

The aim of this study was to assess the level of salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) in children with ECC and to compare its levels before and after comprehensive full mouth rehabilitation.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Saliva samples were collected from children with ECC prior to dental treatment and 3-month post treatment. The salivary IL-6 levels were analyzed using the ELISA method. The gingival index was also timely recorded. Oral health awareness sessions were conducted for children and their parents at regular intervals during the 3-month study period.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

Wilcoxon Signed Rank test compared the levels of salivary IL-6 while, the paired t test compared the values of gingival index before and after treatment.

RESULTS

The mean level of salivary IL-6 before and 3 months after treatment had reduced and this reduction was statistically significant (P < 0.000). The gingival index scores had also reduced significantly 3-months post treatment (P < 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with ECC when completely rehabilitated and kept under frequent follow up, which includes reinforcement of oral hygiene measures and maintaining a low caries activity state, the level of inflammation (IL-6) can definitely be minimized and thereby improving the quality of life of affected children.