Composition of whole unstimulated saliva of human infants.

Whole unstimulated saliva of 168 infants aged 3 days to 12 months was analysed. The concentration of Ca, Mg and Cl was higher in the saliva of infants than in adults. The concentration of phosphate, IgA, amylase and pH was lower in infants; Na, K and total protein did not differ significantly. A wide range of all the concentrations was observed in the saliva of infants. No significant difference was found between the salivary composition of male versus female or of breast-fed as compared to bottle-fed infants. No difference before and after eruption of teeth was detected. Significant differences between different age groups were observed in the concentrations of Na, K, Cl, phosphate, protein, amylase and pH. No significant differences were found in Ca, Mg and IgA concentrations within the first year. A negative correlation between the age of the infants and the concentrations of Na, K, Cl and total protein was observed. A positive correlation was found for phosphate and amylase as a function of age.